shindig
noun Informal.
Words nearby shindig
VOCAB BUILDER
What does shindig mean?
Shindig is a fun word for a party or gathering, especially a noisy and lively one.
Shindig is very informal, and it often refers to informal gatherings, especially big, rowdy ones with dancing, but it can be used to refer to any type of party or big celebration. The word has an old-timey or rustic, country feel to it (though not as rustic as hootenanny or hoedown), so it is often used to be a bit silly or just as a more fun way to say party.
Example: Big Earl’s having one of his usual shindigs this weekend, with his buddy’s band playing in the field out back.
Where does shindig come from?
The first records of shindig come from around the 1850s. It originated in and is primarily used in the United States, but its etymological origin is uncertain. It sounds like it might be a reference to rowdy dancing—the kind in which people kick wildly and end up digging their feet into each other’s shins—but it may be based on the word shindy, meaning “quarrel” or “commotion” (or “party”). Shindy comes from shinty, meaning “a noisy dispute” but originally referring to a game kind of like field hockey that was also called shinny. Shinny may derive from the way people shouted “Shin ye!” during the game. But enough about word origins, let’s get back to the party.
When someone uses the word shindig today, they’re always talking about some kind of party or event, but they’re usually trying to be a little silly or corny or ironic. That’s because shindig sounds like a word from olden times. If you use it to refer to a small get-together with a few friends, you’re probably trying to be ironic. Still, shindig is fun to say, and it sounds a bit funny, so people use it as a slang term for just about any kind of party or event, but especially a big, festive celebration with a lot of people.
Did you know ... ?
How is shindig used in real life?
Shindig is very informal and is primarily used in the U.S. It can be applied to any party or event, but it’s most often used in a silly or ironic way as a more fun way to say party.
Also, I know people are excited about a big shindig but please don't trash on courthouse weddings. I had a courthouse wedding and it was beautiful.
I cried, the administrative worker cried, the judge hugged us, and I would do it the same all over again if given a choice ✌🤗— C_B 🌈❤ (@Crimson_Bebop) October 29, 2019
went to a pretty inspiring shindig tonight. songwriters, artists… just a bunch of humans who love music who performed their stuff. lovely.
— Alex & Sierra (@AlexandSierra) February 22, 2014
It is PARTY DAY here. My husband turns 40 in a couple of days and we are throwing a SHINDIG this evening. Busy busy busy busy…
— Julia Silge (@juliasilge) December 18, 2016
Try using shindig!
Which of the following words would be LEAST likely to describe a shindig?
A. noisy
B. festive
C. boring
D. lively