"ready, steady, go" means: The British English version of the race-starting countdown phrase 'ready, set, go' used in the US. 'Steady' replaces 'set' to mean 'hold you.... This is a fairly neutral word with no inherent risk attached. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than something dangerous. If your child uses it, context will usually make the meaning clear. A brief, curious question about where they heard it is generally enough to know whether to follow up.