Parties and social events
housewarming party
A celebration you organise after moving into a new flat or house to welcome friends and family.
Example: We’re having a housewarming party next weekend, you should come over.
baby shower
A party held before a baby is born, where friends and family give presents to the future parent.
Example: Her colleagues planned a surprise baby shower at the office.
stag party / bachelor party
A party for a man who is about to get married, attended only by men.
Example: His stag party was a weekend trip to another city.
hen party / bachelorette party
A party for a woman who is about to get married, attended only by women.
Example: They booked a spa day for her hen party.
fancy dress party
A party where guests come in costumes or themed outfits.
Example: Everyone had to wear a superhero costume to the fancy dress party.
reception
A formal celebration that usually takes place after a ceremony, such as a wedding or award event.
Example: The wedding reception was held in a beautiful garden.
karaoke night
An event where people sing along to popular songs with the lyrics on a screen.
Example: We met up for a karaoke night and sang 80s classics.
reunion
A get-together for people who haven’t seen each other for a long time, such as classmates or relatives.
Example: Our school reunion was more emotional than I expected.
Actions and activities at social events
hang out (with)
Spend time with someone in a relaxed, informal way.
Example: We usually hang out at a café after work.
get together
Meet friends or family to spend time and socialise.
Example: Let’s get together for dinner next Friday.
go clubbing
Go out dancing in nightclubs, usually late at night.
Example: They love going clubbing when they visit big cities.
pre-drink / pregame
Have drinks at home or in a bar before going to a party or club.
Example: We decided to pre-drink at my place before the concert.
crash a party
Go to a party without an invitation.
Example: A group of students crashed the party and made a lot of noise.
hit the town
Go out to bars, clubs, or restaurants to enjoy the nightlife.
Example: On Saturday we’re planning to hit the town and explore a few new bars.
let your hair down
Relax and enjoy yourself, especially after a busy or stressful time.
Example: After the exams, everyone wanted to let their hair down.
call it a night
Decide to stop what you’re doing and go home or to bed.
Example: I was exhausted, so I called it a night around midnight.
go Dutch
Each person pays for their own food or drinks instead of one person paying for everything.
Example: On first dates, they usually prefer to go Dutch.
outstay your welcome
Stay at someone’s place or at a party for longer than is polite or comfortable.
Example: We left early so as not to outstay our welcome.
stand someone up
Not arrive for a date or meeting without telling the other person.
Example: He felt awful after she stood him up at the restaurant.
turn down an invitation
Politely refuse an invitation to an event.
Example: I had to turn down their invitation because I was working that weekend.
People and personality at social events
social butterfly
Someone who loves socialising, goes to many events and easily talks to lots of different people.
Example: As soon as she arrived, the social butterfly started chatting to everyone.
party animal
A person who goes out to parties very often and enjoys loud, energetic nights out.
Example: He used to be a party animal at university.
party pooper
Someone who spoils other people’s fun by refusing to join in or by being negative.
Example: Don’t be a party pooper – stay a bit longer and dance with us.
the life of the party
A very lively, entertaining person who is usually the centre of attention at social events.
Example: With his jokes and stories, he’s always the life of the party.
wingman / wingwoman
A friend who joins you at a party or event to give you support, help you meet people, or save you from awkward moments.
Example: She asked her cousin to be her wingwoman at the office party.
third wheel
A person who feels extra or left out when spending time with a couple or two very close friends.
Example: He didn’t want to be a third wheel on their romantic weekend.
outgoing
Friendly and confident; enjoys talking to new people and being in social situations.
Example: Her outgoing personality makes it easy for her to make friends at events.
clingy
Too emotionally dependent on one person and unwilling to mix with others at social gatherings.
Example: His clingy behaviour made it hard for her to talk to anyone else at the party.