Standing on Business – Meaning, Origin & Usage
The phrase “standing on business” can be used in multiple professional and personal contexts and in an array of different industries and in different departments. And just to make its meaning more confusing it’s kinda vague and isn’t used by managers alone.
But the good news is that this article is going to break it all down for you. We’ll begin by explaining just what “standing on business”, before delving into the origins of the phrase. We’ll cover the different ways the phrase can be used in different contexts, complete with specific examples. This will help you get a feel for what the phrase means.
We’ll also compare and contrast this phrase with other, similar phrases before discussing how to use the phrase correctly, and walking you through some of the potential misunderstandings that often take place around usage of the phrase.
And without further ado let’s get straight to it!
What does the phrase “standing on business” mean?
The phrase “standing on business” is a slang phrase which means “to follow through on your responsibilities”. It’s very similar to the more well known phrase “taking care of business”.
If you’re already familiar with the phrase “taking care of business” you will know how it doesn’t always apply to professional matters alone, but also to personal matters too. There’ll be more on this shortly.
It’s about following through on what is expected of you, and committing to a decision with unwavering determination and integrity. Not just talking about taking a particular stance but following through on it.
What is the origin of the phrase “standing on business”?
The precise origin of the phrase “standing on business” is unclear, however we do know that it has been part of African American Vernacular English (AAVE) for quite a long time.
What is much more clear is how the phrase became popularised. In 2023 the Canadian rapper and singer known as Drake released a song called Daylight, which later appeared on his album For All The Dogs Scary Hours Edition, Drake used the phrase “standing on business” several times in the first verse of the lyrics, where he uses the term to describe how he is maintaining boundaries and refraining from rekindling his relationship with his ex-girlfriend.
Sometime later, an internet comedian known as Druski put up a skit on the social media app TikTok using the phrase from Drake’s song, and use of the term has grown considerably more popular since. The skit 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.
That said, there has been some recent controversy around who popularised the phrase, with King Harris, the son of hip-hop recording artist and reality TV star Tip “T.I.” Harris, laying claim to popularising the phrase.
Contextual use of the phrase “standing on business” in today’s language
You can use the phrase “standing on business” anytime you want to describe someone who has decided to stick with their decision and follow through with their duties or with a particular strategy. Putting their values above giving into temptation to drop their standards.
For example, in addition to setting personal boundaries, as discussed in the section on the phrase origins, someone could be described as “standing on business” if they have gone to the gym because they’ve made the decision to better their physical health.
Examples of use of the phrase “Standing on business”
On a sales team, you might hear someone say “We’re standing on business” in response to a suggestion about changing the sales strategy, or on a marketing team, following a request to divert from the original marketing plan.
If someone has a deadline that they’re struggling to hit, and someone suggests that they take a break, they might say “No thank you, I’m standing on business.”
Another example might be “I had a choice, to pay the rent or to put food on the table. I’m going to stand on business. I have kids to feed.”
Alternatively, someone who wants to be their own boss and be an entrepreneur might say “I have a plan and I’m going to stand on business” when they are carrying out the necessary paperwork.
Comparing slang terms similar to “standing on business”
The phrase “standing on business” can be likened, in particular, to the phrase “taking care of business”, as discussed earlier, in the sense of taking responsibility for something. This “something” could be a personal or a professional matter.
The phrase can also be likened to saying “putting money where my/your/his/her/their mouth is”, in the sense of someone carrying out a task, action, or strategy that they said they would do. Similarly, it can also be compared to “keeping one’s word/promise”, “walking the walk/talk” “standing by one’s principles”, “practice what you preach”, “sticking to what you say” “prioritising long-term goals” or simply “addressing the matter”.
Cultural impact of the phrase “Standing on business”
Since the TikTok went viral, usage of the phrase has expanded beyond the African American Vernacular English (AAVE). The phrase “standing on business” has been used as a relationship philosophy and an intention-setting mantra, and as a reminder to keep your self-respect front and center, and to prioritise your mental health and values.
Common misunderstandings of the phrase “Standing on business”
To a non-native, the phrase “standing on business” may be confused with the phrase “outstanding business” which is a descriptive term for business (or a problem) that has yet to be carried out as opposed to “standing on business” which is a descriptive term for carrying out a task, action, or strategy.
Final word
In short, the phrase “standing on business” is an old but recently popular term for describing sticking with a decision and following through on something. The phrase can be used in both personal or professional contexts.
The phrase became popularised when a TikTok by Druski, featuring lyrics by rapper Drake, went viral.
