Definition of the word carry on

The phrase "carry on" originated from the British film comedy genre that peaked in popularity in the 1950s and 1960s. These films often featured witty and offbeat humor, with otherwise ordinary people finding themselves in extraordinary circumstances. The expression "carry on" became a catchphrase that encapsulated the spirit of these films. Essentially, "carry on" was an instruction given to actors during filming to continue with their lines and actions despite any hiccups or mishaps that might have occurred. This could be anything from a prop accidentally falling over to an actor forgetting their lines. The phrase came to represent the humor and resilience that these films celebrated, as the actors would improvise and make light of the situation, effectively carrying on regardless of the obstacle. Over time, "carry on" came to be used more broadly as a term for the overall style and approach of these films. It came to symbolize the charmingly quirky and incomparably British humor that has made a lasting impact on popular culture. Today, the phrase is still commonly used to encourage people to keep going through difficult situations or to keep the party going, echoing the spirit of resilience and cheerfulness that these films celebrated.