Getting on is something to shout about, mate (5)

I believe the answer is:
crony
'mate' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'getting on is something to shout' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'on' is present in the answer.
'shout' could be 'cry' (synonyms) and 'cry' is located in the leftover letters.
This accounts for all the letters.
This explanation may well be incorrect...
'about' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for crony that I've seen before include "China" , "Intimate companion" , "Corny (anag.)" , "Sidekick" , "mate" .)