The inappropriate use of “let's go!”

annoying stuff, language and fun, society (we live in one), wordplay

The masses are starting to realize how the phrase “let's go!” has exploded in popularity. You hear it all the time on TV and the internet and in real life. But I realized it first.

People seem to yell “let's go!” as an exclamation of triumph. When an athlete makes their play, for example, they don't merely smile or clap their hands, pump a fist or call out a simple, “yeah!” as they may have in generations past. They scream “let's go!” specifically, and they often repeat it again and again, looking around at their teammates and into the crowd.

“Let's go!” as they pound their chests, “Let's go!” as they dance around the court or field. “LET'S GO! LET'S GO! LET'S GO!” howled as they finish the feat, overcome with emotion and pride as they celebrate their achievement.

It's not just athletes; laypeople do this too as they commemorate everyday accomplishments. But why say “let's go” when the effort has already been completed?

“Let's go”. . . and do what? The imperative “let's [let us] go” implies that something is to be started. “Let's go” forth. “Let's go” and begin working. Not, “let's rest” or “let's stop” now that we've accomplished what we've set out to do. Seemingly, every common contemporary utterance of the phrase “let's go” is backwards: it's stated when the action or undertaking in question has already been successfully done.

Based on absolutely nothing, I'd wager that this modern use of the phrase is a result of the neverending “storylines” in sports and athletic advertising. Every athlete with recognition is a brand imbued with a storyline — wherein they're constantly expected to be pursuing the next accomplishment. As such, even if one particular sporting event is over for the day, the athlete's overall “journey” never ends. They're almost obligated to yell out, “let's go!” as they make the final play, to signal that this is just the first in a series of other triumphs still to come. God forbid the coaches, teammates, and fans think they've grown complacent with only that one particular accomplishment.

Of course, it's not like everyday people on the street think about the “storylines” of their own lives when they imitate the behavior. They are simply dumb apes who mimic the social cues and slang of celebrities presented to them.

It's trickled down enough that people will exclaim “let's go!” at the mere idea of making a transition in conversation. If someone learns some exciting news — “let's go!” has replaced wow, amazing, or I can't believe it. If you think about it, even the word yes can be replaced with the phrase. It's only a matter of time before no can be, too.✍︎