Step and fetch?

November 17, 2006 6:43 AM

What is the meaning and origin of the term "step and fetch" or "stepping and fetching"?

I've heard the term before in several places, one being in the song 'Uneasy Rider' by Charlie Daniels.

Ha ha, I had em all out there
Stepping and fetching
Like their heads were on fire
And their asses was catching

I also know of the actor Stepin Fetchit. The Wikipedia entry for him suggests the name means a 'servile character' so I can get the spirit of the saying but was curious of the exact definition and it's origin.

Thanks in advance for any info!

posted by MrToad to Writing & Language (3 answers total)

Online Etymology Dictionary says:

Stepin Fetchit

type of stereotypical black roles in Hollywood, or in popular culture generally, from stage name (a play on step and fetch it) of popular black vaudeville actor Lincoln Theodore Perry (1902-1985), who first appeared in films under that name in "In Old Kentucky" (1927). Perry said he took the name from a racehorse on which he'd won some money.

posted by pracowity at 7:02 AM on November 17, 2006

Here's a lengthier analysis of Steppin Fetchit and the "coon" character in movies. As for the origin of the phrase "step and fetch it", I think it's just southern dialect, and indicates the way someone would have talked to their servant. "Step lively there, and fetch me that lemonade."
posted by MsMolly at 7:10 AM on November 17, 2006

Yeah, "step and fetch it" is just a colorful way of saying "go and get it."
posted by languagehat at 11:13 AM on November 17, 2006