---
title: "be there or be square · GenZ Decoded"
description: "be there or be square: A playful invitation to show up or miss out on something good. Example: \"Party starts at eight, be there or be square.\""
url: "https://genzdecoded.com/dictionary/be-there-or-be-square/"
lang: "en"
image: "https://genzdecoded.com/og/default.jpg"
---

# be there or be square

Gen X[#social](https://genzdecoded.com/slang-for/social/)

**Meaning.** A playful invitation to show up or miss out on something good.

See it in a sentence

Party starts at eight, be there or be square.

## How each generation says it

The closest equivalent for this idea in every generation.

- Gen Z

    [pull up](https://genzdecoded.com/dictionary/pull-up/)

- Gen Alpha

    No word for this one yet.

- Millennial

    [roll through](https://genzdecoded.com/dictionary/roll-through/)

- Gen X · this one

    be there or be square

- Boomer

    [swing by](https://genzdecoded.com/dictionary/swing-by/)

- Plain English

    playful invitation to show up or miss out on something good

// the shop [Shop LOST IN TRANSLATION shirts and hoodies for families who speak two kinds of slang](https://genzdecoded.com/shop/)

## Related slang

- [badass](https://genzdecoded.com/dictionary/badass/): Someone impressively tough, assertive, and independent.
- [bandwagon](https://genzdecoded.com/dictionary/bandwagon/): Someone who follows trends or supports a team only to fit in.
- [bestie](https://genzdecoded.com/dictionary/bestie/): Short for best friend, used sincerely or sarcastically.
- [BFF](https://genzdecoded.com/dictionary/bff/): Best friends forever, the person you count as your closest friend.

[Back to the A–Z dictionary](https://genzdecoded.com/glossary/)[Open the translator](https://genzdecoded.com/translate/)