bust a move en · VERB
Pronunciation
- /ˈbʌst ə ˈmuːv/
- (Australia) audio
Etymology
Ellipsis of bust out a move (“break out a move”), in reference to unveiling or demonstrating a move from one's repertoire of dance moves. The original usage of this phrase is "to dance." The term appeared in the 1986 song “Posse in Effect” by Beastie Boys, in which M.C.A. said “Pay attention, my intention is to bust a move.” It was then popularized in the 1989 single of the same name by rapper Young MC, who tells (in the song) of his several attempts to find (or seduce) a woman in various places and failing to be able to do so because he can't dance; he isn't able to "bust a move."
Meanings
-
(idiomatic, qualifier:African-American Vernacular, transitive) To dance.
Damn, see that guy on the dance floor? He can bust a move!
-
(idiomatic, qualifier:African-American Vernacular, transitive) To initiate an action, such as a departure, attack, etc.
It's time to go. Let's bust a move.
What you looking at me like that for? C'mon man, bust a move if you're feeling froggy.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| busting a move | Tense=Pres, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic | |
| bust a move | Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic | |
| bust a move | Tense=Past | lexicographic | |
| busted a move | Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic | |
| busted a move | Tense=Past | lexicographic | |
| busts a move | Number=Sing, Person=3, Tense=Pres | lexicographic |
Relateds
buss down · break down · bust down