Surprise party Meaning and Definition
Surprise party
Pronunciation
/sərˈpraɪz pɑrˈti/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A social gathering where guests surprise the guest of honor with their presence, often on a significant occasion such as a birthday or anniversary.
Examples
- We threw a surprise party for my sister’s 30th birthday.
- The surprise party was a huge success, and everyone had a great time.
Synonyms
- Surprise gathering
- Surprise celebration
Antonyms
- Formal event
- Planned gathering
Additional Information
A surprise party is a fun and exciting way to celebrate a special occasion. It’s a great way to bring people together and create lasting memories. However, it’s essential to keep the party a secret until the big reveal to ensure the guest of honor is truly surprised. Planning a surprise party requires careful coordination and attention to detail, but the end result is well worth the effort.
Etymology
The phrase “surprise party” originated in the mid-19th century in the United States. The term “surprise” comes from the Old French word “surpris,” meaning “taken or seized suddenly.” The word “party” comes from the Old French word “partie,” meaning “a part or share.” Over time, the phrase “surprise party” has become a common way to describe a social gathering where the guest of honor is surprised with their presence.
Usage Notes
A surprise party can be a fun and exciting way to celebrate a special occasion. However, it’s essential to consider the guest of honor’s personality and preferences before planning a surprise party. Some people may not appreciate the surprise, so it’s crucial to ensure that they will enjoy the celebration. Additionally, it’s essential to keep the party a secret until the big reveal to ensure the guest of honor is truly surprised.
Cultural References
Surprise parties have been featured in numerous movies and TV shows, including “The Office” and “Friends.” They are often depicted as a fun and exciting way to celebrate a special occasion, but can also be portrayed as a way to embarrass or surprise the guest of honor.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Throw a surprise party” – to plan and execute a surprise party for someone.
- “Be the life of the party” – to be the most energetic and entertaining person at a social gathering.
Related Words or Phrases
- Surprise gift
- Surprise visit
- Party planning
Collocations
- Throw a surprise party
- Plan a surprise party
- Attend a surprise party
Frequency of Use
The phrase “surprise party” is commonly used in modern language, particularly in social media and online event planning platforms. According to Google Trends, the phrase has been steadily increasing in popularity over the past decade.
Common Misspellings
- Surprize party
- Suprise party
- Surpris party