Game On is a casual expression in writing and speech usually employed in a humorous, friendly and excited manner.
This two-word phrase is variously used to kick off a contest, issue a challenge, or express general enthusiasm.
The origin of the word ‘The Game’s Afoot’ means that the challenge has been accepted.
The phrase ‘Game’s Afoot’ became popular in 1900 in Sherlock Holmes stories and many other catchphrases. Sherlock Holmes first utters these words “The Adventure of the Abbey Grange” due to excitement and anticipation at the start of the new investigation.
Sherlock Holmes was always excited about a challenge and loved competition. He took every opportunity to learn and grow and the phrase was always used to express his excitement and prospects of a new challenge.
The phrase has been used in other literature as well including The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald and The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain. We can also see the use of this phrase in crime novel The Hound of Baskerville.
Apart from literature, we can see the use of ‘Game On’ or ‘Game’s Afoot’ in advertisements, magazines, comics and sports. The first time it was used in advertisement was in the video game Pac-Man and the articles of NFL playoffs.
As understood, Game On is a versatile phrase which can be used in a variety of contexts. Are you then ready to pursue a new challenge?
All right, game on—let’s read all the two-word phrases on Raisina Hill website!
