The United States Soccer (Football) Chant "We Like It" (videos from 2013, 2014, & 2026)

and Where you Go, We'll Follow - The American Outlaws

TheAmericanOutlaws,  Jul 27, 2013 

WE LOVE YOU, WE LOVE YOU, WE LOVE YOU

and where you go, We'll Follow!

because we support the U.S.

and that is how we like it!
 

Video filmed and edited by The New BLK (http://www.thenewblk.com/) for The American Outlaws!
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Selected comments from this video's discussion thread are found below in this pancocojams post.

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Edited by Azizi Powell

This pancocojams post showcases four YouTube videos and presents information & comments about the United States Soccer (Football) Chant "We Like It". 

The content of this post is presented for historical, folkloric, and cultural purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to all the supporters of United States soccer (football) and thanks to all those who are quoted in this post.
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Click __ for a closely related pancocojams post that showcases videos and presents information about  Crystal Palace (Football club) in South London, England's chant "We Love You". 

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SOME INFORMATION ABOUT THIS UNITED STATES SOCCER/FOOTBALL "WE LIKE IT" CHANT

[Pancocojams Editor's Note: This AI Overview is the result of my June 28, 2026 query "Did the American Outlaws soccer support group chant "We Like It" and if so when?] 

AI Overview
"Yes, the American Outlaws—the official supporters group for the United States Men’s and Women’s National Teams—uses both phrases in their staple "We Love You" chant. They have been singing this chant since at least the early 2010s.The chant includes a back-and-forth declaration of both loving the team and the way they play.

The lyrics go:
We love you, we love you, we love you.
And where you go, we’ll follow, we’ll follow, we’ll follow.
Because we support the U.S.! U.S.! U.S.!
And that’s the way we like it! We like it! We love it!"....

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AI Overview #2

[Pancocojams Editor's Note: This AI Overview is the result of my June 28, 2026 request for information about the history of the soccer (football) chant "We Like It" in the United States.] 

"United States soccer fans began frequently singing the "We Like It" chant (which goes: "We support the U.S., U.S., U.S., and that's the way we like it, we like it, we love it!") as early as the 2010s.

History and Popularity

The chant was adapted by American supporters' groups (such as The American Outlaws) from longer-standing European football and club chants. It became a staple at USMNT and USWNT matches over the last decade as American supporter culture grew to mimic the stadium atmospheres of older soccer nations.

Recent Viral Backlash

The chant recently went viral for the wrong reasons, as videos of fans singing it surfaced across social media platforms like Instagram. While US fans view it as a joyful and unifying rallying cry, it sparked fierce online mockery. Many critics—including international fans and even NFL stars like Travis and Jason Kelce—ridiculed the song for sounding overly friendly and more like a high-school pep rally than an intimidating soccer terrace chant."
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Here's some information from the website of  the American Outlaws (United States Soccer support organization):

https://theamericanoutlaws.com/
"The American Outlaws are the largest supporters group for the United States Men's and Women's National Soccer Teams. Founded in 2007 in Lincoln, Nebraska, we've grown into one of the largest soccer supporter groups in the world.

From dive bars in Columbus to sold-out stadiums across the globe — we follow the red, white, and blue wherever the game takes us. 200+ chapters. 30,000+ members. One voice.”…
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Based on my viewing every 2026 YouTube video of the United States soccer (football) chant "We Like It" that I've come across and based on my reading those videos' discussion threads, it appears to me that most people assume that the "We Like It" chant was just recently composed for this FIFA 2026 World Cup. The 2013 & 2014 videos -among lots of other documentation- disproves that assumption.

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SELECTED COMMENTS FROM THE DISCUSSION THREAD FOR SHOWCASE VIDEO #1 [presented at the top of this post]

Numbers are added for referencing purposes only.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vh_sD1L_Qew

1.@Mayo2205, 2014
"Respect for all the people who are the outlaws, you're spreading the soccer virus... good luck in the WC and maybe one day you'll be champions as the US woman do in some other world cups."

**
2. @soccerjay1974, 2014
"Man, I love the American Outlaws! Amazing soccer fans! I'd love to have a soccer conversation with one any day! Lots of love and respect from a hardcore soccer fan in Canada. CHEERS!"

**
3. @rodrigomartinalcaraz5410, 2014
"Respect from Argentina ...."

**
4. @ThudMcFatass, 2015
"United We Play. United We Win.  #USMNT 

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5. @jasonwood8023, 2017
"Crystal Palace called and said they want their chant back"

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6. @ryanbeltran9413, 2022
"This is actually a nice ass chant. We need more of this in American sports."

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SHOWCASE VIDEO #2 - and that's the way we like it chant, World Cup America

Adane - Ethiopian Food, Jul 2, 2014

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVuiSzPomhs
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Here are some comments from this video's discussion thread (with numbers added for referencing purposes only).

@PawsitiveMoments67, 2020
"People from the US sing the chant so bad"
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My guess is that this commenter is comparing this singing with how fans of South London's football club Crystal Palace sing their very similar chant called "We Love It".

**
2. @christopherarnold3912, 2022
"America has real football fans! I never realised!"

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3. @luitaurus, 2023
"OK, that was surprising! never thought that gringos really like the original football, or as you call it: "soccer" .... Im just here because I listened this song in the Opening Ceremony of Qatar 2022"

**
4.  @patdogg1978
"What song is this originally from?"

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Reply
5. @ancient6676, 2023
"I think it's a Crystal Palace chant."
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There's still a debate about whether this chant was first sung by American soccer fans or by England's Crystal Palace football fans. It appears that both of these groups of fans sung their very similar chant in the 2010s.   

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Reply
6. @ortros1, 2025
"Wasn't that from singing nuns (or something like that) with whoopi goldberg?"
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Click https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCUaurC2ri8 for a YouTube video of  the first Sister Act movie (in 1992) when Whoopi Goldberg (pretending to be a nun) and other nuns sang "I Will Follow Him" during a program for the pope.

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7. @mahersabit9265, June 2026
"their chant was just as bad back then too huh"

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Reply
8. @roryr9767, June 2026
"@ortros1  I will follow him by Peggy March

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9. @josuedacosta9039, June 2026
"Soulless."

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10. @bilboquetcool, June 2026
"Bunch of idiots ahah just quit with that flat chant and let real football fans.

 What a shame to get the football worldcup while u don’t have a single clue about what you’re doing"

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SHOWCASE VIDEO #3- This is the best chant the 🇺🇸 United States can come up with? 😄⚽

@LIONZDENOFFICIAL, June 12, 2026

At the FIFA World Cup 2026, USA fans are bringing their own style of energy — simple, loud, and impossible to ignore! 🔥🎶 Whether it’s classic chants or viral crowd moments, the atmosphere in the stands is all part of the show.

And when the stadium is packed, even the simplest chant turns into something massive! 🌎🏆😂
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Here are a few comments from this video's discussion thread. All of these comments were published in June 2026. Numbers are added for referencing purposes only.  

https://youtube.com/shorts/whXSmReQXJY?si=8rYG7fkcafumciEW @LI

1. @christophergarriga3979
"Yeah we gotta go back to the drawing board on this one."

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2. @michaelvandenberg7938
"😂😂😂😂"

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3. @SilasIsaac-m5f
"Oh SH.T USA is going to get VIOLATED disrespectly and fiercely by UK football fans, this chants sounds like cheerleaders 😂😂😂😂WTF was USA thinking"
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This is the way this comment is written in that discussion thread.

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SHOWCASE VIDEO #4 - American Reacts: The USA World Cup Chant That Has Europe Laughing

 

 G Lew, Jun 10, 2026  #AmericanInEurope #WorldCup2026 #AmericanReacts

World Cup fan culture around the world vs the US World Cup chant. Europe has been perfecting

football chants for decades. America just came up with theirs — and it's going to take some

getting used to.

AI-generated video summary...

G Lew explores how various nations express fan passion through unique World Cup chants. By reviewing and comparing these musical traditions from around the globe, G Lew highlights the cultural differences in soccer fandom as excitement builds for the upcoming international tournament.
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A very brief clip of  United States fans chanting "We Like It" is found around 10:33 in this video (and at a few other times in that video.
 .   
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Here are some comments from this video's discussion thread (with numbers given for referencing purposes only)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_l2hGHLXCAk

All of these comments were published in June 2026

1.@fairytail7093
"That US chant is going viral and not in a good way 🤣🤣🤡🤡🤣🤣"

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2. @username_126
"It's so so cringe. But even the US fans don't seem to be enthused by it at all? It seems like whoever is recording is singing and then everyone else looks fairly bored"

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3. @gerardflynn3899
"The US chant is utterly pitiful."

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4. @IainStewart1972
"Everyone elses fan chants have evolved organically over decades and are a targeted psycological weapon to intimidate, or at least distract, the other team. The american chant feels like someone in a corporate office used chat gpt to write something as inoffensive and perforatively positive as possible. They failed, and ended up with this cringe-inducing nightmare. 0/10, should not chant again."

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5. @JED-v8q
"I don't think the us chant is that bad. It's just the execution."

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Reply
6. @jeffbridges8681
"Because you're thinking of cheerleading chants. In football chanting is very different. That's why it doesn't work."

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7. @veronicapedraza4324
"😢That can’t be Americans. Since when did Americans become so tone deaf!? Our actual cheerleaders even sound better than, our soccer supporters. We need to get one of our marching bands out there, or like someone else in the comments suggested, have some of our military cadence style chants!"

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8. @johndodd6492
"You can't write a chant, it has to happen independantly and organically, by the fans.  The chant has to come into being on its own. The US chant is artificial because it is manufactured to counter better ones, by people who just don't understand football culture"

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9. @helenamcginty4920
"Chants should come from the fans. Not some corporate think tank."

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10. @TheRealVarzens
"I thought the "I believe that we will win" chant was the pinnacle of cringe chants. Boy, was I wrong"

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11. @Gudatema
"Bruh, stick with USA USA USA at this point. American do care fans are embarrassing us 😂😂"

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12. @rhodaarrindell591
"Needs soul"

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13. @Howard-nx2ip
"I may  be wrong here, but I'm going to guess that this "chant" was dreamt up by a straight white guy. I could be wrong though."

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14. @Suzanne-r5g7z
"Who let the kindergarten class come up with the US  chant 😂"

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15. @teronward7570
"That's what happens when the Euro-Americans make up chants no spice."

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16. @louisehancock324
"Embarrassing. We are a multicultural country, so the chant should have a lot more flavor."

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17. @WildnUnruly
"Do we actually care?  Nope. 🙂‍↔️ 👎"

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18. @jonathanj.3695
"I feel like our US chant should have something to do with our heritage and patriotism. Make it sound like our national anthem, because this...this is just embarrassing."

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19 .@southbug27
"As an American who knows nothing about soccer & didn’t know anything about club chants before this video, the ruthless mocking of the USA chant is well deserved. I’m sure some team of corporate douche bags created it so please mock it out of existence & allow some of the dedicated American soccer fans invent something better."

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20. @bruceleealmighty
"The only suggestion I would have is get a Jodie that you like and work it. Jodie (Military Cadence) I would suggest using HooAh (because I'm Army but I suppose the Dogg Pound calls would be worthy as well."

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21. @owleye4510
"😬 yeah...no. Give us a couple decades of caring about soccer and maybe we'll do better 😅

Just stick with U.S.A., the seven nation army riff or idk ask a high school cheerleader for a decent chant."

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22. @G-maBandaid
"Who cares what they Chant, it is about chanting together, quit being so critical!"

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23. @janiemarshall7928
"USA should have stolen/appropriated something better from the FBA community( Like they USUALLY do).  Embarrassing."
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"FBA "= "Foundational Black Americans",  a relatively new referent for Black people who can trace at least one of their ancestors to the United States prior to the end of  slavery in that country.

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24. @Violette-t6h
"It sounds like the soccer moms helped write this.  But as someone said, it could be a cheerleader chant.

The European male soccer fans are testosterone males and having fun with their mates.  They make them up, but they also sing popular songs like "Country Roads" and other popular songs.  They also insult some of the players - like the English who went after a player who was in trouble with the police for molesting kids.

The US have time to come up with something - or not."

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25. @blackstorm6416
"Finally the icing on the cake USA has embarrassed themselves in the WORLD stage😂😂😂 US will be the WORLD CHAMPION for the MOST EMBARRASSING football chant😅😅😅"

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26. @richardengland7138
"Sorry USA but it's like watching a nerd trying to mix with the cool kids."

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27. @Jerry-v6e1m
"If we cared about soccer are chant would be better"

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28. @zeeqq105
"Calling Soccer is ok. I don’t have an issue with that.  With all the talent in this country and they came up with that crap. 🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️🤦🏽‍♀️You couldn’t call Timberland or use “We will Rock you” by Queen as a default song. Come on! we have great music here. That sounds like a pep rally at a daycare."

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29. @pilar3625
"I mean it is bad I agree, we have to give it to them for trying. Keep in mind US has never been or exposed to the world cups until pretty recent. at least many are starting to understand and embrace it. who knows, maybe for the next couple of world cups you will come up with better chants.

Remember the rest of the world we make fun of the other teams, we insult our politicians in fun way we have chants for other teams from our own countries for fun and we respond to each other’s chants right in the stadiums. I guess what I am trying to say is be patient you will come up with something 🤞"

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Reply
30. @sandracocchi7082
"You no Im tired of people talking like America knows nothing about soccer. My kids played soccer in the 80s. They are now 40... there are thousands of soccer clubs and teams all over the USA..".

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31. @BrBr980
"Can we please leave the chant writing in the US up to Black folks?"

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32. @stevepotempa7835
"That USA chant is Horrible!!"

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33. @pitbullmom2005
"That's bad... Don't embarrass the. US by chanting this crap."

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34. @nolandlacroix3130
"Damn they should have checked a rapper or the black church....Stevie wonder, even Kid Rock😂😂😂"

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35. @JohnDuarte-dx8kx
"A cheer based on "I will follow him" is not worth using at any level, let alone the WC."

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36. @paulgearing3018
"Its a fairly old chant But as corny as it seems, its very efective when huge numbers chant in unison And the defining factor is the man with the drum, I am English living in Austalia and i am 78, But to my knowledge, a drum has only be used in about the last 10-15years. en mass these days"

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37. @caseyhazelman2390
"It wasn’t created for the World Cup. The American Outlaws have been chanting this for years."

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38. @caseyhazelman2390
"It’s a take on the 1963 hit song I Will Follow Him."

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39. @nelsonlourenco3781
"Here is the difference: In Europe a Futebol (soccer) game is a WAR! In the US, it’s just an enjoyable event😊😊"

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40. @justsad-1392
"Football chants are war cries. They are organic.

The USA could surely come  wth something less twee!"

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41. @markwinstanley4898
"Sorry, USA the song you supposedly made up is actually in English song, sung by several clubs the artist back in the 50s or 60s. I think it was called Little Eva it’s been sung at quite a few clubs Palace and Peterborough come to mind go find the song on YouTube and you will see what I mean. Come on England. Come on England. Come on England come on England ALAW MOT"

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42. @davidcain5687
"Your going to have England and Scotland there DO NOT sing that in front of them cause they’ll end up making a chant about you"

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43. @Songfugel
"The US chant is not even original, but directly stolen from "I Will Follow Him" by Little Peggy March. The same part is also a famous sample used in Eminem's mega-hit Guilty Conscience with Dre"

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44. @artsandcraftsideasshowinga5121
"The USA chant is in fact an English football club chant the team being Crystal Palace, the Americans have changed the words though."

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45. @559mile
"Oh man that is some weak sauce…. How about we change it to “we like it, we love it, we want some more of it” "

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46. @PaulDear-jb2bu
"This U.S. song has been sung by England fans for years, but in a more tuneful way, though it's not a song i particularly like. The U.S. are bloody awful with their chants, though, in the game v Australia, the USA, USA chant was split into single letters with gaps in between and it sounded quite Nordic to me. Uuuu  Ssss  Aaaa, Uuuu Ssss Aaaa. That was more like it. But the Americans have still got a long way to go yet."

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47. @Jules-x1984
"Soccer fan here, I don't find the US chant as bad as you pretend it is. These critics are obviously the regular unadaptable, always against the US, no matter how much they benefit from this country.

In short for this people anything in the USA is bad."

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48. @painterguylincs
"The best chants are the random ones that emerge spontaneously in direct response to something that just happened on the pitch or in the crowd. If you have to think about it, it simply doesn't work. Creating a chant as a conscious effort is completely missing the point, and if you don't know what the point is sorry but I don't have a hundred years to explain it to you. If you're not part of the culture, don't try to gatecrash it because you'll just look like an idiot."

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49. @wim2445
"🎵I love him, I love him, I love him

And where He goes I'll follow, I'll follow, I'll follow 🎵"

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Reply
50. @Songfugel
"This chant will forever ruin Eminem's Guilty Conscience 😢"

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51. @octopusfly
"The cringe is real."

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Some Information About Football (Soccer) Chants (from Wikipedia)

Edited by Azizi Powell

This pancocojams post presents an excerpt from the Wikipedia page on football chants.

This excerpt focuses on some of the content in that page that refers to English language history of  and sources for some examples of football (soccer) songs and chants.

This is the first part of an ongoing pancocojams series on football (soccer) chants. Click the tag below for other posts that will be published in this series.

The content of this post is presented for historical, folkloric, socio-cultural, and educational  purposes.

All copyrights remain with their owners.

Thanks to Wikipedia for compiling and presenting this information.

Pancocojams visitors are encouraged to read that entire Wikipedia page. Unfortunately, that page doesn't include any information about football (soccer) chants and songs from Africa and from some other parts of the world other than Europe, North America, and South America.
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This pancocojams excerpt of this Wikipedia excerpt includes one editorial omission of a sexually explicit word. 

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SOME INFORMATION ABOUT FOOTBALL (SOCCER) SONGS AND CHANTS
From  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Football_chant
"A football chant or terrace chant is a form of vocalisation performed by supporters of association football, typically during football matches. Football chanting is an expression of collective identity, most often used by fans to express their pride in the team they support, or to encourage them, and to celebrate a particular player or manager. Fans may also use football chants to slight the opposition, and many fans sing songs about their club rivals, even when they are not playing them. Sometimes the chants are spontaneous reactions to events on the pitch.

Football chants can be simple, consisting of a few loud shouts or spoken words, but more often they are short lines of lyrics and sometimes longer songs. They are typically performed repetitively, sometimes accompanied by handclapping, but occasionally they may be more elaborate involving musical instruments, props or choreographed routines. They are often adaptations of popular songs, using their tunes as the basis of the chants, but some are original.

Football chants are known to have been used by fans from the late 19th century onwards, but developed into the current popular forms in the 1960s. Football chants can be historic, dating back as early as the formation of the club popularly sung down the years and considered the anthems for these clubs. They may also be popular for only a relatively short time, with new chants being constantly created and discarded. The tradition of football chants vary from country to country and team to team, but some chants are common to many clubs and popular internationally. Football chants may be considered one of the last remaining sources of an oral folk song tradition.[2]

History

Football chants may be considered modern examples of traditional storytelling and folk songs. According to folk singer Martin Carthy, football chants are "the one surviving embodiment of an organic living folk tradition."[3] It is also a unique public expression of collective identity,[4] and football chants may be seen as modern examples of the folk tradition blason populaire where a group vocalise their identity as well as their rivalry against another group.[5]

Early chants

Football fans' vocalisations came in the forms of cries, chants and songs in the 19th century. War cries were known to have been used by football fans from the 1880s onwards, with the earliest recorded in Scotland after the Scottish Cup final of 1887.[6] The first known song that references football, "The Dooley Fitba' Club" later known as "'Fitba' Crazy", was also written in the 1880s by James Curran, although it was intended for the music hall rather than the terrace.[6] It was also recorded in the 1890s that Sheffield United fans had adopted a music hall song, the "Rowdy Dowdy Boys", while Southampton fans sang a "Yi! Yi! Yi!" chant based on a war cry.[7][6] …

The oldest football song in the world that is still in use today may be "On the Ball, City", a song believed to have been composed in the 1890s by Albert T Smith, who became a director of Norwich City in 1905.[9] The song was adopted by fans of the club and it is still sung by Norwich's fans.[10][11] Such club song may have its origin in the public school system, while others have links with working-class music hall.[6] Other early football chants still sung today include "Pompey Chimes" or "Play up, Pompey" sung by Portsmouth fans since the 1920s and based on the Westminster Quarters (a form of the chant is believed to have been sung at Fratton Park in the 1890s and was officially published in 1900, therefore it is arguably older than "On the Ball, City"),[12] and "Blaydon Races", a Geordie folk song from 1862, which was adopted by Newcastle United fans in the 1930s.[13] Some of the songs sung at football ground by the 1920s were modified from popular music hall songs, for example "Kick, Kick, Kick, Kick, Kick it" from "Chick, Chick, Chick, Chick, Chicken" and "Keep the Forwards Scoring" from "Keep the Home Fires Burning".[14] Chants that referenced players were also heard on the terrace; for example, "Give it to Ballie" chanted by Swansea fans in reference to a player name Billy Ball who played for the club in 1912-1920.[6]

Football chants in the early years were club-specific and they were generally friendly or jocular in tone.[3] Songs with sectarian overtones, however, had been sung at matches between Rangers and Celtic in the 1920s, which became more overtly confrontational in later decades, raising the possibility that sectarianism may have been the origin of oppositional chanting and singing at football matches.[14] Fans of the early period also had a limited repertoire of chants, which become more varied as singing was encouraged by the use of brass bands before games and the community singing movement that arose in the 1920s (the tradition of singing "Abide with Me" at FA Cup finals started in this period).[15]

1960s developments

While various elements of football chants were already present in the early period, it was in the 1960s that the nature of football chants started to change and modern football chants emerged to become an integral part of fan culture and experience. The catalyst for the change may be due to a number of factors; one suggestion is the growth and evolution of youth culture in this period which, together with popular music started being played over the public announcement system at matches instead of brass bands, encouraged fans to start their own singing based on popular tunes. Another suggestion is the mixing of fan cultures from different countries through international football matches that started to be broadcast, such as the 1959 England's tour of South America and the 1962 World Cup.[16] The exposure to intense chanting by South American and Italian fans during the 1962 and 1966 World Cups may have encouraged British fans who were previously more reserved to do the same.[17][18] They also picked up different type of chants from other countries; Liverpool fans for example, may have used a Brazilian chant "Brazil, cha-cha-cha" and turned it into the "Li-ver-pool, [clap, clap, clap]" chant.[19]

Chants became more extensive in the 1960s, and popular songs became increasingly common as the basis of chants as fans adapted these songs to reflect situations and events relevant to them. Chanting the name of the team, chants for players and managers started to become prevalent.[20] Liverpool supporters, particularly those on the Kop, were known for modifying songs in the early 1960s to suit their own purposes, and this practice quickly spread to fans of other clubs who created their own versions after hearing these chants often directed at them.[17] Repertoire of chants credited to Liverpool fans included the rhythmic clapping based on "Let's Go" by The Routers, the chorus from "We Shall Not Be Moved",[21] and "When the Saints Go Marching In" used to honour Ian St John, chants which were then also adopted by fans of other clubs.[17] Fans of many clubs now have a large and constantly evolving repertoire of chants in addition to a smaller number of songs closely associated with their club.

A more controversial aspect of this period of change was that abusive chants targeted at rival team or fans also became widespread.[20] These may be taunts and insults aimed at the opposition teams or players to unnerve them, or obscene or slanderous chants targeted at individuals. A sampling of English football chants in the late 1970s found these types of chants to be the most numerous.[17] Threats of violence may also be made to their rivals in chants; although such threats were rarely carried out, fights did occur which, together with increasing level of hooliganism in that period, gave these threats a real edge.[17] Some abuses are racial in nature; for example, anti-Semitic chants directed at Tottenham Hotspur began in the 1960s,[22] also against the Argentine club Atlanta (commonly heard in the 1960s but may have begun as early as the 1940s),[23] and against the Dutch club Ajax in the 1970s.[24] Racist insults directed at black players began to be heard in the 1970s and 1980s in England and Spain when black players started appearing in their leagues in increasing numbers.[25] Concerns over the abusive nature of some of these chants later led to measures in various countries to control them, for example, the British government made racist and indecent chants an offence in the UK in 1991.[26] In Italy, the Mancino law was used to prosecute fans for inciting racism,[27] and fans were excluded from their ground for derogatory chants.[28] Despite efforts to stop them, some chants remain an issue around the world, such as the el .... chant used by Mexican fans,[29][30] and racist chants in many countries.[31][32][33][34][35]

International spread

As the sport of football spread to other countries, so did its associated fan culture of football chants. Many countries, however, have developed their own tradition of football songs and chants; for example, most Italian clubs have their own official hymns, often written specially for the club by a prominent singer or composer who is a fan of the club.[36][37] Many countries also have football chants dating from the early part of the 20th century,[38][39] and clubs such as Real Madrid may have an official club song as early as 1903.[40] Football chants created in different countries may be specific to the local culture. Hand-clapping chants were popular in South American countries such as Brazil before it spread to other countries.[17] Some chants originated from other sports; for example, the "two, four, six, eight!" chant that was used for sports in the United States from the early 20th century was adopted by football fans in the UK in the 1950s.[14][41] The "Olé" chant from bullfighting is believed to be first used in Brazil for Garrincha in 1958,[42] and one version of the "Olé, Olé, Olé" chant was first heard at a league game in Spain in 1982,[43] while another version quickly spread around Europe in 1986 and became widely popular around the world.[44][45] In Italy, the development of the ultra fan culture with their passionate theatrical display of support including choreographed singing and chanting conducted by a leader has also been influential in many other countries.[46]

As football fans travel to other countries on away international matches, and international broadcasts of football matches are common, fans from around the world often picked up chants from other clubs and countries, and some chants spread in an organic manner and become popular internationally. An example is the chant based on "Seven Nation Army" by The White Stripes – it was first adopted by fans of Belgian Club Brugge KV in 2003, their chant was then picked by Italian fans, and it was made an unofficial anthem for the Italy national football team in the 2006 FIFA World Cup, following which it spread to other football clubs around the world as well as beyond football into other sports and events.[47][48]

Common types of chants

Anthems – These are songs that are closely associated with a club, and are commonly sung by fans to express their collective identity. Unlike other types of chants that are variations of widely-used chants, these songs tend to be unique to a particular club.[49] The best-known example may be "You'll Never Walk Alone" sung by Liverpool fans, although it has also been adopted by a few other clubs such as Celtic and Borussia Dortmund…

Engagement with the team – These chants come in various forms. They may be expression of pride or loyalty in the club or team, or identity as fans of the club. At the simplest, the chants may just be repetitions of the name of the team, often with clapping (e.g. clap, clap, clap 3×, clap 4×, [name of club]), or they may identify themselves, e.g. "We are the [name for fans or home stand]". These also includes songs commonly sung at the club, such as "When the [name of team] Go Marching In".

The chants may also praise the team, individual players or managers. Typically popular tunes are used for this type of chants, for example, "There's only one [name of player]" sung to the tune of "Guantanamera", "Super [name of player or team]", or the "Olé, Olé, Olé" chant.

The chants may give encouragement to the team, for example, "Come on you [name of team]", "Vamos [name of team]", "Allez [name of team]".

They may be expression of confidence and optimism, suggesting that their team will win a game, the league, be promoted, or win a major cup tie at venues such as Wembley.

There may also be expressions of dissatisfaction, such as criticism of the team when they are performing poorly, or calling for the manager to resign, and occasionally against the owner of the club.[53]

Insults, threats or expressions of hatred or mockery directed at the opponents – There are large variations in this type of chants. The chants may target the team (for example, "Stand up if you hate [name of team]", ….

Chants may be aimed at individual players or managers, and these can range from the amusing to the offensive or obscene. For example, "Who Ate All the Pies?" may be used against a player considered fat,[54] or racist chants directed at black players.[31] Chants may sometimes reflect players or managers in the news, or they may be made-up accusations directed against them that can be sung in either a humorous or offensive manner

[…]

On occasion, chants may be self-deprecating, such as the chant "We lose every week, we lose every week / You're nothing special / We lose every week".[59][60][61]

Reactions to events that happened on the pitch or off the pitch, these may be in celebration of a goal (e.g. "two-nil") or aiming to disrupt, or are expressions of boredom. They may also be comments about the officials such as the referees (e.g. "the referee's a wanker"),[62] or the policing.[17]

Atmospheric chants – Sounds aimed at creating interest or excitement in the game without any specific message, such as long drawn-out "oooooh" and "arrrrrgh", or "la la la la la ..."[17]

Tragedy chanting

Tragedy chanting involves chanting about an opposition club's tragedies or tragic events that happen in their home cities.[63] Instances in English football include exchanges between Manchester United and Leeds United fans,[64] and between Manchester United and Liverpool fans.[65][66]

Spoken chants

Some chants are spoken, sometimes accompanied by percussion. These chants may simply consist of the name of the team and/or words of encouragement. The chants may also be in a call-and-response format. For example, Chile national football team fans will do a routine whereby one group of fans will chant "Chi-Chi-Chi", and another group will respond "Le-Le-Le".[43] For the Indonesia national football team one group of fans will chant "In-Do-Ne-Sia" with an air horn and hand clap in response. "Garuda Di Dadaku" is sung by fans when Indonesia plays at home.[citation needed]

 In the United States, despite a lower popularity of association football, "I believe that we will win!" and "U-S-A!" are generally chanted during matches US national teams are playing on the world stage. The chant "U-S-A!" has also been used outside of sports, such as in the halls of Congress during rallies of American support.[70][71][72]

[…]

Some chants consist simply of a loud shout or whoop with a hand clap, sometimes led by a drum beat that gets increasingly faster, such as the Viking Thunder Clap made popular by fans of Iceland. Similar chants have been performed by fans of teams such as Motherwell and Lens, and a version called "Boom Boom Clap" has been used by fans of North American clubs such as Seattle Sounders FC and Toronto FC since 2008 as well as the American national teams.[73][74][75][76]

[…]

Chants based on hymns and classical music

Several football chants are based on hymns, with "Cwm Rhondda" (also known as "Guide me, O thou great redeemer") being one of the most popular tunes to copy. Amongst others, it has spawned the song "You're not singing anymore!",[83] "We support our local team!", and "I will never be a Blue!".

Various teams have used the "Glory Glory" chant (used by "Tottenham Hotspur", "Leeds United", "Manchester United", etc.), to the tune of the "Battle Hymn of the Republic" …]

"The Stars and Stripes Forever" is often sung with the words "Here we go, here we go, here we go!".

There have been various adaptations of "When The Saints Go Marching In" (e.g. by fans of Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur), and the tune of Handel's "Hallelujah chorus" as well as the tune of "In the Hall of the Mountain King" and "The Blue Danube".

[…]

Chants based on spirituals and folk songs

Some chants are based on spirituals. "We shall not be moved" and "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands" are both used by fans. An example of the latter's use was "He's got a pineapple on his head" aimed at Jason Lee due to his distinctive hairstyle.^[88] The song was later popularised by the television show Fantasy Football League.

Christmas carols have also been used as chants like with the theme of "O Tannenbaum" by the likes of Manchester United or Chelsea fans.

[…]

"Sloop John B" has been popular amongst English football fans since the mid-2000s. It was adopted by the supporters of English non-league team F.C. United of Manchester as a club anthem in 2007.[92]

The Geordie folk song "Blaydon Races" is associated with Newcastle United.[93] Other folk songs to have their lyrics altered include "The John B. Sails" to "We Won it 5 Times" by Liverpool fans, "She'll Be Coming 'Round the Mountain" to "We'll Be Coming Down the Road" by the Scotland national team and Liverpool fans, "My Bonnie Lies over the Ocean", "The Wild Rover" (used for "We're by far the greatest team, the world has ever seen") and "Camptown Races", which is used for "Two World Wars, One World Cup", whilst Birmingham City fans sing "Keep Right on to the End of the Road".

[…]

"The Fields of Athenry" is a widely used anthem by Irish sports fans, sang particularly at rugby and football matches.[95] The song was adopted and reworked by Liverpool fans as "The Fields of Anfield Road".[96]

Chants based on popular music

Popular music is the most common source of football chants. In the United Kingdom, music hall songs such as "My Old Man (Said Follow the Van)", "Knees Up Mother Brown", "I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles", "I Came, I Saw, I Conga'd" and "Two Little Boys" have long been used as the basis of terrace chants. Popular standards such as "Winter Wonderland", Scott Joplin's "The Entertainer", and the 1958 Eurovision entry "Volare" are also widely adapted to suit players and managers.[93] The Cuban song "Guantanamera" became popularly used as a chant in the UK as a version by The Sandpipers charted soon after the 1966 World Cup; it is commonly sung in a large variety of chants, for example in the form of "There's only one [player's name]", or "You only sing when you're winning".[97][98] The tune "Tom Hark" is often played at many stadiums following a goal by the home team and for chants such as "Thursday Nights, Channel 5", whilst "Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)" by Doris Day is generally reserved for matches where the venue of the final is Wembley Stadium

The rhythm, rather than the melody, of "Let's Go (Pony)" by the Routers is widely used for clapping, drumming or banging by fans worldwide. 

Music of the 1960s influenced terrace chants. "Ring of Fire" by Johnny Cash and "That's Amore" by Dean Martin have been used by several sets of fans.[99][100] "Lola" by the Kinks, and "Hi Ho Silver Lining" by Jeff Beck have been adapted by several clubs – most prolific of these include Aston Villa, Sheffield Wednesday and Wolverhampton Wanderers.[101] "All You Need Is Love", "Hey Jude" and "Yellow Submarine" by the Beatles are often used.[101][102] Songs from musicals have become very popular as football chants, such as "Chim Chim Cher-ee" from the 1964 musical Mary Poppins.[103] 

[...]

The emergence of funk and disco in the 1970s also made its mark on the terraces with songs such as "Go West" by the Village People[105] and "Oops Up Side Your Head" by The Gap Band remaining popular amongst fans. "Ain't Nobody" by Rufus and Chaka Khan has been used by Arsenal fans and others. Music popular in the 1980s and 1990s is also used widely. Chants have been based on "Just Can't Get Enough" by Depeche Mode,[106] "Love Will Tear Us Apart" by Joy Division,[107] "Pop Goes the World" by Men Without Hats, the Band Aid song "Do They Know It's Christmas?", "Papa's Got a Brand New Pigbag" by Pigbag[108] and "This Is How It Feels" by Inspiral Carpets.[93] Other chants have used tunes from on pop songs include "Three Lions", the official England anthem for Euro '96 and Manic Street Preachers song "If You Tolerate This Your Children Will Be Next".[109]

[…]

More recent releases to have their music appropriated include "Seven Nation Army" by the White Stripes, which became highly popular across nations.[110] A number of songs became popular in the 2010s, an example being "Freed from Desire", which is used to celebrate particular players – it was first popularised as "Will Grigg's on Fire", then used for others such as "Vardy's on Fire" and "Grizi's on Fire

[…]

Chants based on nursery rhymes and theme tunes

Football crowds also adapt tunes such as nursery rhymes and theme tunes. "The Farmer in the Dell" known in some regions as 'The Farmer Wants A Wife', provides the famous chant of "Ee Aye Addio", a tune which also provides the first bars of the 1946 be-bop jazz classic "Now's The Time", by alto saxophonist Charlie Parker. The marching tune "When Johnny Comes Marching Home" is also used a basis for songs, such as "His Armband Said He Was a Red", sung by Liverpool fans in honour of Fernando Torres while he was still at the club.[119] Chelsea fans then adapted the chant to match their own colours when Torres was transferred to the London club in 2011, with "He's now a Blue, he was a Red." Manchester United used the song to describe Torres and his looks too after he missed an open goal. United also used the song about John O'Shea after he scored a goal against Derby in the Carling Cup in 2009. The children's song "Ten Green Bottles" became "Ten German Bombers", to the tune of "She'll Be Coming 'Round the Mountain," both songs used by English fans to their main rivals, Germany. The nursery rhyme "This Old Man" is sung by both supporters of Manchester United and Manchester City. The "Theme from Z-Cars" has been used in Everton's Goodison Park ground since 1962.[120]

Theme tunes which have been used as chants include Heartbeat and The Banana Splits.[121]

Club-specific songs

Some football teams also have songs which are traditionally sung by their fans. The song "You'll Never Walk Alone" from Carousel is associated heavily with Liverpool. In 1963, the song was covered by Liverpool group Gerry and the Pacemakers, which prompted the song's adoption by the Kop. At this time, supporters standing on the Spion Kop terrace at Anfield began singing popular chart songs of the day. The mood was captured on camera by a BBC Panorama camera crew in 1964. One year later, when Liverpool faced Leeds in the FA Cup final, the travelling Kop sang the same song and match commentator Kenneth Wolstenholme commended the "Liverpool signature tune".[122] Other songs sung by Liverpool fans include "Poor Scouser Tommy" based on "Red River Valley".[123]

Fans of West Ham United were said to have adopted the song "I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles" at Upton Park in the mid-1920s,[124] although no record of West Ham fans singing the song existed until 1940.[125]

[…]

Manchester City has been strongly associated with the classic popular song "Blue Moon" since the late 1980s.[127] The song is now an established and official part of the club's brand and culture: 'Blue Moon' is also the name of the club's leading fansite. 

[…]

"Goodnight, Irene" is sung by fans of Bristol Rovers,[130] while "Drink Up Thy Zider" by The Wurzels is sung by Bristol City fans.”…

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Visitor comments are welcome.

What "Smooth", "Swag", "Getting It" & Some Other African American Vernacular English Words & Phrases REALLY Mean Regarding Dancing- Part III

 

MUST SEE!! FAMILY PERFORMS BEYONCÉ “BEFORE I LET GO” AT PARENTS 40TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY PARTY 🎉❤️

L A, Feb 1, 2020  #beyonce #linedance #fun

Family is such a beautiful thing especially when it’s founded on love! We had a blast spending time together learning this line dance then performing at their “Lets Dance Italian Style to our 40th Wedding Anniversary” formal event in Atlanta, GA #linedance #beyonce #beforeiletgo #family #love #fun #happiness

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WtBe0XVWkk

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Edited by Azizi Powell

latest revision - June 28, 2026

This is Part III of a three part pancocojams series on the use of the adjective "smooth" as a high compliment for dancing, particularly African American originated dancing, that is done in a fluid, seemingly effortless manner.

This post presents brief definitions or explanations for a few African American Vernacular English (AAVE) words & phrases that are included in comments from the discussion thread for the 2020 YouTube video that is embedded in this post and Part II of this pancocojams series.
 
Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2026/06/the-complimentary-meanings-of-adjective.html for Part I of this pancocojams post. That pancocojams post presents some information about the complimentary slang meanings of the word "smooth" in the context of Black American social dancing.

The Addendum to this post presents information about the meaning of the word "smooth" in American Ballroom dancing.

Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2026/06/a-2020-youtube-video-of-african.html__ for Part II of this pancocojams series. That post showcases a 2020 YouTube video of members of a Black American family doing a line dance at their family anniversary gathering.

This post includes some comments from that video's discussion thread which  include the word "smooth" as complimentary descriptions of that dancing.

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The content of this post is presented for linguistic purpose. 

Congratulations to this couple on what was then their 40th wedding anniversary. Thanks to all those who are featured in this video and thanks to all those who are quoted in this post. Thanks to the videographer and publisher of this video on YouTube. 
-snip-
Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2024/02/the-history-of-african-american.html for a related 2024 pancocojams post entitled "The History Of The African American Vernacular English Slang Word "Cool" (excerpt of a 2014 online article)".

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THE MEANINGS OF CERTAIN AFRICAN AMERICAN VERNACULAR ENGLISH WORDS & PHRASES THAT  ARE INCLUDED IN SELECTED COMMENTS FROM THE DISCUSSION THREAD FOR THIS EMBEDDED YOUTUBE VIDEO

The corresponding number(s) for those selected comment(s) that is (are) given after that brief definition/explanation are from Part II of this pancocojams series.

These meanings are given in the context of their use in these words/phrases.

In the case of words/phrases that have multiple AAVE definitions/explanations, this compilation only includes the meaning that fits that particular comment or comments.

Online citations are given for some of these definitions/explanations. When no citation is given, that definition/explanation is written by me from my own understanding of those words/phrases. 

A, B

Back in the day = in the past;  a long time ago

Example:
52. @anikluv7732
"Pops was definitely a steppa back in the day! Lol 💯"

**
Bro (and other abbreviations) = a shortened form of the word "brother" that has the same meaning as that word (in the context of that particular YouTube video's discussion thread)

Example:
48. @michelesaavedra1957
"The young bro in the back is getting it done. I agree with sister who said nothing like seeing a smooth black man dance."

**
Brother = a Black male (used by a Black person as a referent for another Black person)

Example:
26. @SammieBleu
"These brothers were everything 🥰🥰"

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C, D

Cool = hip, awesome, 

Examples:
54. @allisonmorrell8734
"Gah 😩 My family is so not cool like that! How fun. And such good memories. We “might” get to 2 steppin at a wedding. Maybe."

39. @candide1954
"Happy Anniversary💃🏽🕺🏿🎉

There's a guy in the back holding a baby!!! He's preparing her for her wedding! "This is how we do, baby!" Even the kids are holding it down! You cannot pay to see such a funky, get down beautiful show of love! They are us!!! Don't EVER stop dancing people! From cool Pops to that 3rd generation down...keep holding it down for us all! God bless you and keep you!"

****
E, F

Fam- a shortened form of the word "family"

**
Family - (in the context of this discussion thread), a referent for the familiar relationship that all Black people have with each other (i.e. see the entries for "brothers" and "sisters") 

"Fam" is an African American originated contemporary abbreviation for "family".
-snip-
Although "brother" and "sister" can refer to any Black male or female, the terms "Dad", Pops" in this discussion refers to a man who is a father (or a middle age or older man) and doesn't have a family connotation for the person writing those comments.

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G, H

“Getting it” – dancing very well

Example:
@The8976marcell
"I love that red. They was getting it"
-snip-
"Red" in this comment refers to the color red that was worn by the dancers. 
"They was getting it"= They were dancing very well.

**
Giving us the business - a compliment meaning "showing others how something is done, in this case "showing how well you excell in the dancing that you are doing"

This slang meaning may have come from the idiom "doing an outstanding job" and is probably related to the contemporary AAVE term "working it"  

72. @sharonmontgomery1073
"DAD was giving us the business, he's a smooth operator.. FO SHO! So happy everyone was there and enjoying themselves.. FAMILY FUN NIGHT always works.. Thanks for sharing your time together with us."

**
Go ___ go! - an exhortation that encourages a person or persons to continue doing what they are doing well 

Example:
35. @jacquelyngibson1708
"Go FAMILY Go!"

**
(the) Groove 
[having the groove, being in the groove, getting the groove)

from AI Overview
"Being in the "groove" means operating in a state of smooth, effortless focus, where your tasks or activities feel easy, natural, and highly successful. When you are in this state, you are completely "in the zone," acting instinctively without overthinking."

Example:
65. @mafloremprese645
"Young or old doesn't matter they just have the groooove love it" 

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I, J

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K, L

Killed it =- doing something very well

Killing it = doing something very well

Examples 
17. @clayc9272
"Dad killed it!! Smooth operator!

33. @takiyshabarber
"The older man in the red blazer killed it,  so smooth and confident.  🥰"

66. @patsywilliams.2823
"The lady in the front in the black jacket was killing it"

**
King and Queen -royalty titles conferred on any Black man or Black woman

Example:
29. @roddyreed4598
"Ours Kings&Queens Smooth&Swag Beautiful🙏🏾❤💯🔥"

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M, N

New school- music, dance, fashion, etc. from the present time or close to the present time;

Read the entry for "old school" immediately below.

Example: Comment Exchange:
5. @evonza4858
"Congrats to the family they look wonderful but make sure you give credit to whom credit is due the title should have read "Beyonce's version of Maze and Frankie Beverly's song before I let go"🥰❤️🖤💚😊#it's all black excellence"

**
Reply
6.  @REGOTOBED
"They look like they’re having so much fun!🤩. BTW Beyoncé covered this song, actually the ORIGINAL is by Frankie Beverley and Maize. Just saying."

**
Reply
7. @janicehunter1399
"It didn't have to say that we already know that.plz"

**
Reply
8. @evonza4858
"@janicehunter1399  some people don't know especially the "new" school 😊❤️🖤💚have a nice day"

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O, P

Old school - something characteristic of an earlier period of time;  "Old school" may be used positively or negatively as a contrast to "new school" - something that is characteristic of the present or close to the present time (such as present day music)" 

Read the comments for new school directly above.  

Example:
37. roxiejohnson9989
"Go u guys.  I just love line dancing since 1958.  I'm a old school girl from east coast and just love dancing."

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Q, R

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S, T

Sista (Sis) - an abbreviated form of the word "sister" that has the same meaning as that word 

**
Sister -a referent for a Black female (used by a Black person as a referent for a Black female)

**
Smooth
Meanings [given in no particular order]
1.From AI Overview
"In African American vernacular and social dance, smoothness highlights a dancer's ability to seamlessly transition between complex, rhythmic movements while maintaining an appearance of relaxed ease"

**
2. From https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=smooth by Mack C March 6, 2007
"Completing a task with such grace and fluidity that the onlooker will lose appreciation for how difficult a task it really was."

Examples (among multiple comments in that discussion thread)

32. @deloreskeys4545
"That's the Theme Song Right there.They are some Smooth Dancers."

56. @sylviashabazz3662
"My husband is one smooth dancer. I am still trying to keep up with him."

**
Smooth as all get out = really smooth

**
Smooth groove

Example:
45. @lornajoseph5206
"Is the groom the gentleman with the 'smooth groove' at the front in the red jacket? Super, super, super."

** 
Smooth like butter
General Meaning- very smooth

Meaning From AI Overview
"The idiom "smooth as butter" (or "buttery smooth") is a popular simile used to describe something exceptionally seamless, effortless, or free of friction. It can refer to physical textures (like a perfect cake) or operations (like a flawlessly functioning software or a vehicle ride).

History & Origins

Biblical Roots: The phrase can be traced all the way back to the King James Bible. Psalm 55:21 reads: "The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart..."
-snip-
A person who dances "smooth like butter" is moving from step to step fluidly, gracefully, and seemingly effortlessly without any hitches

Examples: 
11. @babakgosi5152
"Pops was smooth as butter! Happy Anniversary"

18. @veegood6404
"I love US and this family togetherness! Dad is smoooooth as butter!"

**
Smooth operator = (In the context that it is used in this discussion thread) - a person (usually a male) who dances very well 
-snip-
The referent "smooth operator" was popularized by Black British singer  Sade's 1984 hit song with that title. In that song "smooth operator" has a negative meaning. However, that referent has a positive meaning in the examples in this showcased discussion thread.
  
Read the example given above in the "giving us the business" entry 
Read the example given above in the "killed it" entry.  

**
Smooth with it = doing something in a smooth manner 
-snip-
The word "it" in this phrase refers to "dancing". 

Example:
22. @sherrymelton3391
"Dad was smooth  with it"

41. @GoddessBB
"Daddy in the front in the red jacket is so smooth with it."

**
Too smooth = very smooth (This is usually a compliment. Also, [__] is too much." is also usually a complimen.

Example
49. @sharonrapley6608
"I couldn't take my eyes off the man in the red jacket.He was to smooth!"

**
Steppa (Stepper) = a person who is steppin(g) 
-snip-
Read the definition for steppin' immediately below.

Example:
52. @anikluv7732
"Pops was definitely a steppa back in the day! Lol 💯"

**
Steppin = (probably refers to Chicago steppin or other urban "steppin" fast couple dances similar to the Philly Bop that was shown on the television dance show "American Bandstand" television dance series. Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2013/05/an-overview-of-black-greek-letter.html "An Overview Of Black Greek Letter Organization Steppin & Step Cheers".

In the discussion thread about African American (soul) line dancing that is showcased in this 2026 pancocojams series, "steppin" isn't a referent for the synchronized choreographed group performance movement that are done by members of historically Black Greek letter fraternities and sororities

Example:
Read the example given in the definition for "cool" above.

** 
Swag
From AI Overview (among other meanings) "Originally derived from the word "swagger," this definition describes a cool, trendy, and charismatic demeanor. It is commonly used in music and youth culture to describe someone who carries themselves with a magnetic, effortless style."

Examples

19. "Love it, love it, love it!!!! That was so enjoyable just too short!!! Dad was definitely killing it!!! I love how they were all bringing their own swag to it! Beautiful family & not to mention y’all wore that Red Black!!! Looking good…. Kudos to you all! Thx for sharing! 🙏🏾👏🏾🙌🏾💞"

64. @AllthingsERM
"Daddy got that swag"

**
Throwin down = doing something very well (in the context of this discussion thread, dancing very well)
-snip-
I believe that "throwin down may be more frequently given as "gettin down".

Examples:
58. @joanoneal3712
"Them men be throwing down, I'm not saying the women are good to, but them men be so smooth"

63. @Flossy2012
"Pops, son, and baby sis was throwing down. Pops said.... let me show you how its done. 🤣🙂"

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U, V

Understood the assignment = Successfully grasped what was expected and delivered as required.

Did an outstanding job, exceeding expectations.

A slang term used to praise someone for impressive execution."
-Source: https://www.theidioms.com/understood-the-assignment/heidioms.com

Example-
36. @ALS-qu4sd
"Pops understood the assignment!"

****
W, X

Work it! = an exhortation for "Continue to do what you are doing well".

Example:
69. @jdouglas2334
"Well alright now!  Work it!  Thank you for uplifting my day!!!"

****
Y, Z

Y'll did that = You did that very well. (What you did was outstanding); in the context of this discussion thread, "Your dancing was outstanding." 

"Y'll did that" is also given as "Y'all really did that."

Example:
42. @kenyattacollins5242
"LOVE THIS. YALL DID THAT"

**
You got that right = I definitely agree with you. (You definitely told the truth about what you just said.)

****
This concludes Part III of this three part pancocojams series.

Thanks for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.

A 2020 YouTube Video Of An African American Family Doing A Line Dance During A Family Gathering & Comments About How Smooth That Dance Was Done

 

MUST SEE!! FAMILY PERFORMS BEYONCÉ “BEFORE I LET GO” AT PARENTS 40TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY PARTY 🎉❤️

L A, Feb 1, 2020  #beyonce #linedance #fun

Family is such a beautiful thing especially when it’s founded on love! We had a blast spending time together learning this line dance then performing at their “Lets Dance Italian Style to our 40th Wedding Anniversary” formal event in Atlanta, GA #linedance #beyonce #beforeiletgo #family #love #fun #happiness

** I do not own rights to this music **
-snip-
Statistics (as of June 25, 2026 at 7:57 PM EST

Total # of views =1,510,756

Total # of comments = 545  

****
Edited by Azizi Powell

Latest revision - June 27, 2026

This is Part II of a three part pancocojams series on the use of the adjective "smooth" as a high compliment for dancing, particularly African American originated dancing, that is done in a fluid, seemingly effortless manner.

This post showcases a 2020 YouTube video of certain members of an un-named Black American family performing a line dance at a their family's 40th wedding anniversary gathering.

This post also presents some comments from that video's discussion thread. Most of these comments include the word "smooth". 

A number of comments in that video's discussion thread  particularly compliment the "smooth" dancing style of the older man who was the "groom" who part of the couple who were celebrating their 40th  wedding anniversary.

Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2026/06/the-complimentary-meanings-of-adjective.html for Part I of this pancocojams post. That pancocojams post presents some information about the complimentary slang meanings of the word "smooth" in the context of Black American social dancing.

The Addendum to this post presents information about the meaning of the word "smooth" in American Ballroom dancing.


Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2026/06/what-smooth-afew-other-arican-american.html for Part III of this pancocojams series. That post presents definitions or explanations for certain African American Vernacular English (AAVE) words, phrases, or sayings that are included in comments from the discussion thread for the 2020 YouTube video that is embedded in this post and Part II of this pancocojams series.

The content of this post is presented for linguistic, socio-cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.

Congratulations to this couple on what was then their 40th wedding anniversary. Thanks to all those who are featured in this video and thanks to all those who are quoted in this post. Thanks to the videographer and publisher of this video on YouTube. 
-snip-
Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2024/02/the-history-of-african-american.html for a related 2024 pancocojams post entitled "The History Of The African American Vernacular English Slang Word "Cool" (excerpt of a 2014 online article)".

****
PANCOCOJAMS EDITOR'S NOTE
The Rhythm & Blues record "Before I Let Go" that the family is dancing to in that 2020 YouTube video was recorded by Beyonce in 2018 or 2019.

It should be noted that Beyonce's record is a cover of Frankie Beverly & Maze's hit 1981 record with that title.

**
This compilation doesn't include all of the comments in that video's discussion thread that include the word "smooth" .

As always, pancocojams visitors are encouraged to read that video's entire discussion thread.

****
SELECTED COMMENTS FROM THE DISCUSSION THREAD OF THIS VIDEO

(with numbers given for referencing purposes only) 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WtBe0XVWkk

2021

 1. @sherrylewis3620
"I just love to see a black man dancing so smooth"

**
Reply
2. @Kamala_b
"Me too! Especially in a suit!"

**
3. @The8976marcell
"I love that red. They was getting it"

**
4. @chykim1
"They put the right ones in the front... Lol!"

****

2022

5. @evonza4858
"Congrats to the family they look wonderful but make sure you give credit to whom credit is due the title should have read "Beyonce's version of Maze and Frankie Beverly's song before I let go"🥰❤️🖤💚😊#it's all black excellence"

**
Reply
6.  @REGOTOBED
"They look like they’re having so much fun!🤩. BTW Beyoncé covered this song, actually the ORIGINAL is by Frankie Beverley and Maize. Just saying."

**
Reply
7. @janicehunter1399
"It didn't have to say that we already know that.plz"

**
Reply
8. @evonza4858
"@janicehunter1399  some people don't know especially the "new" school 😊❤️🖤💚have a nice day"

**
10. @AyrenGriffea
"NICE!! Thank you all for this!!🥰🙌🏾🙌🏾 You guys are doing my choreography justice🔥🔥🔥 Im glad u all were inspired! And the Colors (Red is my Fave🤩). Just be sure to give the choreographer credits in ur description 😉 https://youtu.be/I86VJtMOzP4

Continued blessings fam❤🙏🏽"

**
11. @babakgosi5152
"Pops was smooth as butter! Happy Anniversary"

**
12. @Ree11Ree
"Pops is smooth with his moves!"

**
13. @sharonmccray4660
"It  is  so  good  👍  to  👄  you  😊  dance  💃  with   those  smooth  moves!!"

**
14. @crystalford-nelson4054
"The gentleman in the red, black trim jack was hella smooth but on #SILENT with the moves."

**
15. @angelinabrooks8702
"AWESOME ‼️ LOVED EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS. POPS WAS EXTRA SMOOTH😂"

**
16. @callieoops3694
"Sooo SMOOTH! God bless your family!"

**
17. @clayc9272
"Dad killed it!! Smooth operator!

**
18. @veegood6404
"I love US and this family togetherness! Dad is smoooooth as butter!"

**
19. @theresaforte2202
"Love it, love it, love it!!!! That was so enjoyable just too short!!! Dad was definitely killing it!!! I love how they were all bringing their own swag to it! Beautiful family & not to mention y’all wore that Red Black!!! Looking good…. Kudos to you all! Thx for sharing! 🙏🏾👏🏾🙌🏾💞"

**
20. @i.cannot.even
."This is the best video being danced to this song!  Everyone is so smooth & the moves are classy!'

**
21. @ellebailey5358
"It took me a minute to realize the parents were dancing too.  😍😍😍"

 **
22. @sherrymelton3391
"Dad was smooth  with it"

**
23. @ronda5309
"Love the red  & black! Always love seeing line dances especially when men join in!"

**
Reply
24. @Hestillmakesmeblushafter36yrs
"Yassssss ❤️🖤❤️🖤❤️🖤❤️🖤"

**
25. @lavitamcdaniel1375
"It’s the man holding the baby while dancing for me!!! He didn’t miss a beat love it!!"

**
26. @SammieBleu
"These brothers were everything 🥰🥰"

**
27. @gailbrooks505
"Those guys were so smooth!!"

**
28. @monicaallen3346
"ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS!!!! Love seeing a black man dancing so smooth!! 👏👏"

**
29. @roddyreed4598
"Ours Kings&Queens Smooth&Swag Beautiful🙏🏾❤💯🔥"

 **
30. @sweetbilldixon1
"The red jacket is smooth. I love it."

**
Reply
31.@charlottepatterson9950
"Me too, nothing like his smooth moves"

**
32. @deloreskeys4545
"That's the Theme Song Right there.They are some Smooth Dancers."

**
33. @takiyshabarber
"The older man in the red blazer killed it,  so smooth and confident.  🥰"

**
34. @blanchedavis1515
"Black love, black soul, black style, black Grace,."

**
35. @jacquelyngibson1708
"Go FAMILY Go!"

**
36. @ALS-qu4sd
"Pops understood the assignment!"

**
37. roxiejohnson9989
"Go u guys.  I just love line dancing since 1958.  I'm a old school girl from east coast and just love dancing."

**
38. @Momscool1049
"So smooth!! Now I want to learn the dance."

**
39. @candide1954
"Happy Anniversary💃🏽🕺🏿🎉

There's a guy in the back holding a baby!!! He's preparing her for her wedding! "This is how we do, baby!" Even the kids are holding it down! You cannot pay to see such a funky, get down beautiful show of love! They are us!!! Don't EVER stop dancing people! From cool Pops to that 3rd generation down...keep holding it down for us all! God bless you and keep you!"

**
40. @terribeverly796
"Omg I Love it..it's the little boy in the back for me and The Men in the front..They are Smooth"

 **
41. @GoddessBB
"Daddy in the front in the red jacket is so smooth with it."

**
42. @kenyattacollins5242
"LOVE THIS. YALL DID THAT"

**
43. @deborahrose648
"Smooth black men are sooooooo gorgeous"

**
44. @bridgethall1065
"Smooth like creamy chocolate!"

**
45. @lornajoseph5206
"Is the groom the gentleman with the 'smooth groove' at the front in the red jacket? Super, super, super."

**
46. @sharonfranks4031
"Mama and daddy showed you'll young folks something 😏 they been dancing 💃 🕺  a long time smoother moves"

**
47. @drewpd2011
"Big papa real smooth with his stuff like like very much..."

**
48. @michelesaavedra1957
"The young bro in the back is getting it done. I agree with sister who said nothing like seeing a smooth black man dance."

**
49. @sharonrapley6608
"I couldn't take my eyes off the man in the red jacket.He was to smooth!"

**
50. @Darlene528
"The men are smooth as all get out."

**
51. @wendymclean8290
"This is the family I was supposed to grow up in"

**
52. @anikluv7732
"Pops was definitely a steppa back in the day! Lol 💯"

**
53. @Quran4mercy
"It seems all  men with African ancestery have great rhythm.  These dudes are particularly smooth and relaxed ."

**
54. @allisonmorrell8734
"Gah 😩 My family is so not cool like that! How fun. And such good memories. We “might” get to 2 steppin at a wedding. Maybe."

**
55. @Kappa123ish
"The man in the red jacket in the front is “super” smooth! Man in black jacket a little to bouncy."

**
56. @sylviashabazz3662
"My husband is one smooth dancer. I am still trying to keep up with him."

**
57. @1goldbaby
"Black men have the history of dancing smooth, it is WHAT IT IS!!! Give the credit where it is due!!! Nothing racist about the comments or compliments!!! If anyone wanna throw in another race man can dance also, I do not care ,if they can ,trust me,THEY HAVE COPIED FROM THE BLACK MAN!!! NOW, CALL this comment racist or whatever, IT IS WHAT IT IS.   THE TRUTH..."

**
58. @joanoneal3712
"Them men be throwing down, I'm not saying the women are good to, but them men be so smooth"

**
59. @marilyncrutchfield1873
"Ditto  a black man sure can dance smooth 👌 🙌 😎"

**
60. @lesleysmith5169
"What a gorgeous family 💕. Can I be adopted?🤗"

**
61. @tonyfortuna3503
"I agree they smooth as maple syrup"

**
62. @lollybones
"Smoooooooth!!!"

**
63. @Flossy2012
"Pops, son, and baby sis was throwing down. Pops said.... let me show you how its done. 🤣🙂"

**
64. @AllthingsERM
"Daddy got that swag"

**
65. @mafloremprese645
"Young or old doesn't matter they just have the groooove love it"

**
66. @patsywilliams.2823
"The lady in the front in the black jacket was killing it"

**
67. @cherylharewood6125
"Beautifully smooth and fun."

**
68. @tdline9621
"I'm always here for Black health and beauty, joy and happiness ,and this clip is giving all that!😍🥰💪🏾👏🏽🎉🖤 LOVE US to SHINE!!!!!💓💓💓💓💓💓💓"

**
69. @jdouglas2334
"Well alright now!  Work it!  Thank you for uplifting my day!!!"

**
70.@mmarie294
"Pops is a smooth operator. What a show. Bless you all."

**
71. @soniasworld00
"Congratulations all round and extending very Happy 40th Wedding Anniversary blessings and endorsement to this lovely couple. What a beautiful family - how smooth and cool are they all!!! Wishing this couple and their whole family continuous love and blessings. #familylove #unityisstrength 💓"

**
72. @sharonmontgomery1073
"DAD was giving us the business, he's a smooth operator.. FO SHO! So happy everyone was there and enjoying themselves.. FAMILY FUN NIGHT always works.. Thanks for sharing your time together with us."

**
73. @barbaradobner6050
"I hope it comes not the wrong way over and I am truly sorry if I offended someone. But I always have  admired black people, when they dance .No matter if they 2 year old or over 60 years old , all have those moves when they dance. Any dance it looks like they where born to dance. No other person has those smooth moves, like black people have. I could watch them at any time for hours.."

**
Reply
74. @sierramilan7410
" @barbaradobner6050  thank you for complementing my peoples style 👍🏽"

**
Reply
75. @1goldbaby
"@barbaradobner6050  do not be SORRY,   speak the truth shame the devil!!! Give that CREDIT ,where and when it is Due!!!"

**
Reply
76. @sierramilan7410
"This how WE DO!!"

**
Reply
77. @ritajohnson4126
"You got that right 👍🏻💯 💕"

**
Reply
78. @1goldbaby
"Yesss!!! Often imitated BUT JUST CAN NOT BE DUPLICATED!!!"

**
Reply
79. @teresawarren1385
"Yep what you said"

**
Reply
80. @MsZine1
"That's what I'm talking about too 👏"

**
81.@keneshawilliamson1574
"All of them look good, but Pop is too smooth with it!!!❤️🙏🏽❤️"

**
Reply
82. @kaygee7323
"YEEEESSS!!! EFFORTLESS"

**
83. @arlishadarby8293
"I was thinking the bride sat this one out. But at the end, I realized she was there the whole time. Momma is gorgeous!!! You can tell Pops has been dancing his whole life-effortless. I ❤️❤️❤️ every minute & wish it were longer. Continued blessings of joy & peace!🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾"

**
Reply
84. @FromGigiWithLove
"Yep right in the center, the heart where she should be."

**
85. @lynnc766
"Pops was my favorite! So smooth and natural."

**
86. @MizJWat
"LOVE THIS!!! It's just "somethin" about an attractive Brother lookin good, smooth effortless dancing, and I'm so sure SMELLIN GOOT too!!! Then surrounded by just as BEAUTIFUL women and family...LOOVVEE!!! #ERBODYGOTSWAAGG!!! #IJUSTLOOVVEEMESOMEUS!!!"

**
Reply
87. @theresatitus-lawson3431
"I wanted to give you a dropped MIC for this post!  You said it all Sista! 💖💖

**
Reply
88.@Sasha-ps9bu
"Period"

****
2023

89. @Riva2025
"This is the best! I’m Black and couldn’t pull this off. I have no sense of rhythm. I would mess it up. 😰😰😰

****
2024

90. @jerryhowardii2494
"Pops was 🔥🔥🔥"

**
91. @TonyaGarnetto-pe8mn
"Love it!! Get down y’all!!"

****
2025

92. @ritariddick1272
"Smooth ❤️❤️❤️❤️

**
93. @shortydowop6534
"They did that!!!!👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽"

***
94. @bev3199
"Love this❤️❤️💯💯"

****
2026

95. @Nana-n2n3n
"Put that Nola bounce on it❤️"

**
96. @DonitaLester
"I LOVE THIS ❣. POPS IS SO SMOOTH!💕"

****
This concludes Part II of this pancocojams series.

Thanks for visiting pancocojams.

Visitor comments are welcome.