A term coined by political philosopher Adam
Smith in his Theory of Moral Sentiments (or, at least in the
2013 "
hip" translation of it). This phrase is what the spectator says to the person principally concerned (PCP) when there is no propriety in their level of emotion in a particular situation. It's the spectator's attempt to close the
gap between their feelings and the feelings of the PCP so that they can empathize.
"Getting on someone's level" is a beautiful phenomenon that involves self-moderation and therefore gives us morality. As Adam
Smith would say, we're all just a bunch of social animals.
Person principally concern: "Oh my gosh I'm so upset
Professor Cullen gave me an A- in his
Search course!"
Spectator: "Dude,
chill. Get on my level. It's not that big of a deal."