The exact origin is unclear, but the meaning is quite simple:
* Be there: This part signifies attending an event, party, or gathering.
* Be square: This part refers to being old-fashioned, uncool, or out of touch with the current trends.
Therefore, the phrase suggests that anyone who doesn't attend the event is considered "square" and out of the loop.
There are a few theories about its origin:
* The Beat Generation: The phrase might have originated in the counterculture movement of the 1950s, where being "square" was seen as a pejorative term for those who conformed to societal norms and didn't embrace the new trends.
* Teen slang: The phrase could have emerged as slang among teenagers who wanted to differentiate themselves from their older generations.
* Advertising: Some believe the phrase might have been popularized through advertising campaigns targeting young audiences.
Regardless of its exact origin, "be there or be square" became a common way for young people to express their desire for inclusion and their rejection of outdated social norms.
It's important to note that this phrase is considered dated today and might come across as condescending or even offensive, especially since the term "square" is no longer widely used.