What does "step up like a baller" mean?

June 4, 2021 10:50 AM

After a clinical for school, my preceptor said, "You step up like a baller." I have no idea what that means.
posted by jumanjinight to Writing & Language (9 answers total)

It basically means “do more.” Or “be like a rockstar” “give it your all” “take that leadership opportunity” etc

Baller comes from b-baller/basketball player but it’s also “balling out” (go all out). But again it’s just really a way to say “give it all you’ve got”
posted by raccoon409 at 10:53 AM on June 4, 2021 [2 favorites]

Step up = rise to the occasion

Baller = cool & talented person
posted by mekily at 10:54 AM on June 4, 2021 [20 favorites]

It means you appeared confident & effective like a well-paid basketball player. Reference
posted by bleep at 11:05 AM on June 4, 2021 [11 favorites]

If they told you that you step up like a baller, that's good. You perform your tasks in a satisfactory manner and with confidence.
posted by spikeleemajortomdickandharryconnickjrmints at 11:10 AM on June 4, 2021 [6 favorites]

Ballin'.
posted by kevinbelt at 11:15 AM on June 4, 2021

baller doesn't come from the slang for testicles. It comes from basketball stars = rich & admired superstars.
posted by fingersandtoes at 11:20 AM on June 4, 2021 [2 favorites]

It’s a term that originated in African American Vernacular English; it probably entered use outside of AAVE with the success of Skee-Lo’s song “I Wish” in 1995.
posted by mr_roboto at 11:45 AM on June 4, 2021 [4 favorites]

Ugh, I originally read this they they told you TO step up…., not that you DO step up…

Basically great job!
posted by raccoon409 at 12:05 PM on June 4, 2021 [2 favorites]

"you rise to and exceed expectations when the circumstances call for it"
posted by batter_my_heart at 1:14 PM on June 4, 2021 [6 favorites]