Here's what we know:
* Early Usage: The earliest recorded uses of "get-go" appear in the 1920s, primarily in informal contexts and often associated with sports.
* Possible Origins: There are two main theories about its origin:
* Shortened Version: One theory suggests it's a shortened version of "from the get-go," which itself might be a contraction of "from the getting-go." This would link the phrase to the older "get-going," meaning to begin or start.
* "Go" as a Noun: Another theory suggests that "go" evolved from its use as a noun meaning "effort" or "try." This theory would see "get-go" as meaning "the initial effort" or "the first try."
* Evolution and Popularity: The phrase became increasingly popular throughout the 20th century and is now a common idiom in American English, often used to refer to something that happens from the very beginning.
While the precise origin remains debated, it's clear that "get-go" originated in American vernacular speech and reflects a pragmatic, direct style of communication.