Edited by Azizi Powell, Pancocojams Editor
This pancocojams post presents information about the saying "Standing on business".
The content of this post is presented for linguistic and socio-cultural purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to all those who are quoted in this post.
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PANCOCOJAMS EDITOR'S NOTE
As is the case with most vernacular words and phrases, the phrase "standing on business" has multiple vernacular meanings.
This pancocojams post focuses on the definitions of "standing on business" that I believe are most often meant in 2026 when African Americans use that phrase. That definition refers to Black people in the United States standing in unity and steadfastly adhering to agreed upon values and positions against those who would socially and politically impede our existence and/or progress.
Expanding from Black Americans, the phrase "standing on business" means Americans' (regardless of race, ethnicity, and most politic affiliations) unwavering demand for values and positions that we consider important- such as abolishing I.C.E. and equal justice for all.
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TWO ONLINE EXCERPTS ABOUT THE SAYING "STANDING ON BUSINESS"
These excerpts are given in no particular order and are numbered for referencing purposes only.
From https://www.yahoo.com/news/standing-business-internets-latest-slang-213502429.html " 'Standing on business': What the internet's latest slang term means and how to use it. by Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, December 4, 2023
"What does 'stand on business' or 'standing on business' mean?
Put simply, to "stand on business" means to take care of your responsibilities or put your money where your mouth is. You get done what needs to be done and follow through, similar to the term "taking care of business."
According to Urban Dictionary, the phrase is defined as: "To take care of your business/obligations. To be about your grind," (meaning completing tasks that need completing) or, "When faced with a situation, you are urged to handle your own affairs."
If you are "standing on business," it means you are sticking to your values and walking the walk, not just talking the talk.
For example, someone who posts to their social media page saying they are going to become their own boss and later goes on to successfully open their own small business or become an entrepreneur would be "standing on business." Someone who is standing strong in ending a relationship that was bad for them can also be "standing on business."
Someone who brags online about making a lot of money and living a luxury lifestyle but lacks a job or actual funds in real life would be someone who is not standing on their business.
Where did the slang term 'stand on business' come from?
While the phrase itself is not exactly new and has been present on the internet and part of African American Vernacular English (AAVE) for a long time, the recent explosion in popularity has been attributed partially to the use of the phrase in a Drake song.
The song "Daylight," from Drake's newest [2023] album "For All The Dogs," features the saying repeatedly in its lyrics. Internet comedian Druski likewise has been credited with the spread of the slang, starting when he posted a TikTok in September [2023] titled: “Dudes Say ‘Standin on Business’ BUT DO THE OPPOSITE."
In the skit, he pokes fun at men who talk a big game about their work ethic, life and accomplishments online but fail to follow through in real life."….
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EXCERPT #2 - urbandictionary.com
Pancocojams Editor's Note:
As of February 6, 2026).urbandictionary.com has three pages of reader submitted definitions of the saying "standing on business" .The three definition that are given in this post are numbered for referencing purposes only.
WARNING- Many of those definitions include the n word, either fully spelled out or in its four letter form and/or the word "ho" (meaning "whore").
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The earliest example of "stand on business" (or "standing on business") in urban dictionary.com is from 2021. It is the top definition for that saying as of February 6, 2026:
https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=stand+on+business
"stand on business
To take care of your business/obligations. To be about your grind.
Rent was due and my son was hungry so I had no choice but to Stand on Business
by Sterlsam02 December 2, 2021;
thumbs up 569; thumbs down 73"
-snip-
Pancocojams Editor's Note:
This is the only definition from 2021. All the other urban dictionary.com definitions for "stand on business" or "standing on business" (as of February 6, 2026) are from 2023, 2024 and 2024.
This particular "thumbs up/thumbs down" tally is significant because all of the other viewer submitted definitions in the three urban dictionary pages of definitions for this phrase have less than 6 "thumbs up" tallies and less than 0 thumbs down. (One other definition has 10 thumbs up and 0 thumbs down)
Several of the urban dictionary definitions for "standing on business" include the phrase "stand your ground".
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THE INCLUSION OF THE IDIOM "STANDING YOUR GROUND" IN DEFINITIONS FOR "STANDING ON BUSINESS"
Several urban dictionary.com definitions include the phrase "standing your ground" in their definitions of "standing on business".
Indeed, I believe that the idiom "standing your ground" is the source of the 2020s African American Vernacular English saying "standing on business".
Here are two definitions for the English language idiom "stand your ground"
From https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/stand-ground
"to refuse to be pushed backward, or to continue in your
beliefs in an argument:
The battalion stood its ground in the face of repeated
attacks.
Clare stood her ground in the meeting and refused to be
intimidated even when Michael got angry.
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3. "stand your ground
idiom
to refuse to change your opinion or give in to an argument:
I kept trying to get my grandmother to find a smaller house,
but she stood her ground."
-end of quote-
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Here are two urbandictionary.com definitions for "standing on business" that include the phrase "standing your ground".:
"standing on business
someone who stand their ground, or does what they said they’d do.
“she was standing on business.”
by burntseals December 3, 2023, https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=stand%20on%20business&page=2
[thumbs up- 10 thumbs down 0]
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"To stand your ground, not let your guard down, not give in to pressure, not get distracted. Many women use it to refer to keeping your standards up and honoring their boundaries, often when feeling hormonal, lovesick, or temporarily attracted to someone.
“How tf am I supposed to stand on business with this man while I’m ovulating???”
“Girl, he apologized and wants a second chance! But I saw him making out with Susie last night, so I’m definitely standing on business.”
“Stand on business! Don’t be desperate!”
by NikkiNinetyEight November 27, 2023, https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=stand%20on%20business&page=2
[thumbs up- 0 thumbs down 0]
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"NOT BACKING DOWN" IS AN ELEMENT IN THE AFRICAN AMERICAN CONTEMPORARY VERNACULAR USE OF "STANDING ON BUSINESS"
The contemporary use of the phrase standing on business" usually includes the meaning that the person won't back down (from a situation, a person, or a stance (an ideological position).
Here's an AI Overview on the phrase "not backing down" (retrieved February 6, 2026 as a result of my February 6, 2026 Google search question about that meaning"
" "Not backing down" means refusing to give up,
retreat, or surrender in the face of opposition, difficulty, or a challenge;
it's about standing firm, holding your ground, and remaining persistent in your
stance, belief, or fight, even when pressured. It signifies resilience and an
unwillingness to yield, similar to "sticking to your guns" or
"never surrendering," as highlighted in the phrase "Never Back
Down" and Tom Petty's song "I Won't Back Down".
Key aspects of "not backing down":
Resilience: Continuing despite obstacles or threats.
Firmness: Maintaining your position or principles.
Persistence: Refusing to quit or change your mind.
Opposition: Often used when challenged by others."...
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THE IDIOM 'TEN TOES DOWN" USED TO EMPHASIZE THE "STANDING ON BUSINESS" STANCE AND ATTITUDE
At least by 2025, a number of African Americans use the phrase "standing on business" along with the idiom "ten toes down" to emphasize the vernacular meaning of both of those phrases.
Here's an AI Overview write-up about the idiom "ten toes down" as it has been used by African Americans:
AI Overview February 6, 2026 [as a result of my question "What does the slang phrase ten toes down" mean?]
"Ten toes down" is a slang phrase meaning to be
fully committed, loyal, and unwavering in support of a person, belief, or goal.
It signifies standing firm, remaining grounded, and, often, being
"real" or authentic in the face of adversity. The phrase is rooted in
African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and hip-hop culture.
Key Aspects of "Ten Toes Down":
Total Commitment: Devoting 100% effort or support to a cause
or relationship.
Loyalty & Reliability: Being a dependable person who
stands by others, often, in a loyal, steadfast manner.
Resilience & Integrity: Standing firm in one's own
beliefs, staying true to oneself, and not backing down, similar to
"standing on business".
Origin: Popularized within the hip-hop community, with
notable usage in the work of rapper Kodak Black around 2014.
The phrase is essentially a metaphor for keeping both feet
firmly on the ground (all ten toes down) rather than running away or wavering."
-end of quote-
I've noticed the phrases "standing on business" and "[having] ten toes down" being used in a number of 92% socio-political discussion threads on TabithaSpeaksPolitic's YouTube channel and therealtabithaspeaks Instagram page. "92%" is a referent for African American women who voted for Kamala Harris in the November 5, 2024 United States national election.
Here's an example of the idiom "ten toes down" from therealtabithaspeaks' Instagram page:
"That's all I wanted to see..
Instagram · therealtabithaspeaks
[12 months ago]
We continue to be honorable and we continue to stand ten
toes down for what we believe in, together. I love us for real! They are not
like ...Read more"
-snip-
I don't have instagram and therefore can't credit the date or quote this entire statement. However, the last sentence is probably "They are not like us". This phrase was popularized by Kendrick Lamarr's 20 song with that title and is now widely used-particularly by "Foundational Black Americans" [or when used by the more inclusive referent "Black Americans".
When Foundational Black Americans say "They are not like us", the word they" can mean "Black people who have no ancestors who were enslaved in the United States [the definition of Foundational Black Americans] or "they could mean "White people" and/or any other people who aren't Foundational Black Americans [the meaning of "us" when they say "They are not like us".
When Black Americans who don't identify as "Foundational Black Americans" say "They are not like us" they usually mean "White people".
Full disclosure- I identify as "Black American" (and/or "African American").
Also, full disclosure- I don't like the saying "They are not like us" because I believe it is too divisive, in a multiplicity of ways.
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