The phrase "went legit" means to become legal or to operate within the parameters of the law. The spelling of "went legit" is written as /wɛnt ləˈdʒɪt/. The first part of the word "went" is pronounced as /wɛnt/, with a short e sound. The second part of the word "legit" is pronounced as /ləˈdʒɪt/, with a stressed "l" sound and a "g" that is pronounced like the "j" in "jump." Overall, the phrase "went legit" is a common term used to describe individuals or businesses that have transitioned to lawful operations.
"Going legit" refers to the process of transitioning or transitioning into a legitimate, legal, or lawful way of doing things, particularly for individuals or organizations that have previously acted or operated in an illegal or less socially accepted manner. This term is often used to describe a shift towards conducting activities within the legal boundaries, abandoning illegal or shady practices, and adhering to the established rules and regulations.
When someone or something goes legit, they undergo a transformation where they renounce their unlawful or questionable behavior or past actions. This change can be seen in various contexts, such as in the entertainment industry when an artist transitions from an underground or notorious reputation to a legal, recognized status by distancing themselves from illegal activities.
For a criminal, going legit often involves the decision to cease illegal activities and instead engage in lawful conduct. This could include leaving behind a life of crime, seeking legitimate employment, and embracing lawful means of earning a living.
Similarly, a business or organization may go legit by transitioning from operating in a gray or illegal area to fully adhering to legal and regulatory frameworks. This may involve obtaining necessary licenses, permits, and complying with taxation and other legal obligations.
Overall, going legit involves changing one's approach, operating within the confines of the law, and adopting accepted societal norms, thus leaving behind any previous illegal or disreputable behavior.
The term "went legit" originates from the world of entertainment, particularly the theater and movies. The word "legit" is a colloquial abbreviation of "legitimate", which was used to describe legitimate theater or legitimate acting. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, there was a distinction between legitimate theater (serious, high-quality productions) and vaudeville or other forms of popular, less esteemed entertainment.
"Going legit" referred to a performer, typically someone known for working in vaudeville, variety shows, or other less prestigious forms of entertainment, transitioning or achieving success in the legitimate theater or film industry. It implied a shift from the world of popular and often lower-brow entertainment to a more respected or prestigious platform.