Music
raise the roof
What does raise the roof mean?
A specific hand gesture: pushing both open palms upward to hype a crowd.
"The DJ told everyone to raise the roof and the floor erupted."
Origin
Rooted in African American Vernacular English and hip-hop and gospel celebration culture, with both the phrase and the palms-up gesture spreading through 80s and 90s music. It conveys energy so big it could lift a roof.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'raise the roof' mean?
It means to celebrate loudly and energetically, and it also names the palms-up upward hand gesture used to hype a crowd.
Where does 'raise the roof' come from?
It comes from AAVE, hip-hop, and gospel celebration culture, spreading through 80s and 90s music.
What is the 'raise the roof' gesture?
It's pushing both open palms toward the ceiling repeatedly to pump up energy at a party or event.
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