Are you tired of using the same old boring and tedious phrases to describe a party? Well, I have good news for you.
Today, I am going to teach you the top 20 awesome party expressions and idioms that you can use at your parties or to describe them later for your friends.
From “having a whale of a time” to “Billy no mates”, there are amazing expressions for you covered up in this lesson. So, follow me in this lesson. Let’s go.
Hey, check out our new YouTube video on party expressions and let us know what you think:
Top 20 awesome party expressions and idioms with their meanings
1. Mingle
Meaning: to move around and talk to other people at a social event
Example: You’ve been talking to Roger all evening – you really ought to be mingling with the other guests.
2. Exchange pleasantries
Meaning: to say things to each other which are polite and pleasant but not especially interesting or important
Example: We were introduced to each other at her party and we exchanged pleasantries.
3. To make small talk
Meaning: to have a conversation about things that are not important, often with people who do not know you well
Example: I don’t enjoy parties where I have to make small talk with complete strangers.
4. chit-chat (informal noun)
Meaning: conversation about matters that are not important
Example: “What did you talk about?” “Oh, it was just chit-chat.”
5. Keep the conversation light-hearted
meaning: keep the conversation happy and not serious
Example: It was a fairly light-hearted discussion.
6. Banter (noun)
Meaning: conversation that is funny and not serious
Example: He considered himself a master of witty banter.
Note: the word “banter” can also be used as a verb. Look at the following example:
Example: she stood around bantering with her colleagues for a while.
7. heart-to-heart (noun)
Meaning: talking seriously about your feelings on subjects that are important to you
Example: Kathy and her friend seemed to be having a heart-to-heart so I didn’t like to disturb them.
8. Catch up
Meaning: to talk with someone you know in order to exchange news or information:
Example: It was so nice to see you at the party and catch up.
Note: This phrase can also be used as a noun. Look at the following example:
Example: Let’s meet in the New Year and have a proper catch-up
9. Get on
Meaning: enjoy each other’s company
Example: they met for the first time and they got on immediately.
10. Hit it off
Meaning: to like someone and become friendly immediately
Example: Jake and Sue hit it off immediately.
11. Get on like a house on fire
Meaning: If two people get on like a house on fire, they like each other very much and become friends very quickly
Example: I was worried that they wouldn’t like each other but in fact they’re getting on like a house on fire.
12. Get the party started
Meaning: to start the party.
Example: “I’m ready so let’s get this party started.”
13. The life and soul of the party
Meaning: a fun, energetic and entertaining person who people enjoy to be around them at parties.
Example: “You just have to invite Sammy and Wendy. They are the life and soul of the party every time.”
14. Party pooper
Meaning: a person who is not fun at the party. They do not like to join in games or activities at the parties
Example: “Oh she’s never much fun. Why did you invite her? She’s such a party pooper!”
15. Crash a party
Meaning: going to a party without an invitation and hoping you will be allowed to join. It is easier to do at a large event like a house party.
Example: “I don’t care if I wasn’t officially invited. I’m going to crash the party anyway.”
16. let your hair down
Meaning: to relax, enjoy life, and have fun without worrying about what others say. You can say this to someone who is feeling stressed and needs to forget about their problems for a while.
Example: “You studied so hard for the exam! Now it’s time to relax, enjoy the party and let your hair down.”
17. Billy no-mates (British English slang)
Meaning: someone who has no friends (mates). It’s usually said in a friendly way, not with the intention of hurting somebody’s feelings.
Example: “Oh no, look at Dave on his own. Let’s go talk to him as he looks like a Billy no-mates!”
18. have a whale of a time
Meaning: having a good time
Example: “This place is fantastic. I’m having a whale of a time.”
19. Party hearty
Meaning: to have a good time in an energetic celebration
Example: “It’s been a hard week so I’m ready to party hearty tonight.”
20. A party piece
Meaning: something you can do or perform at a party to entertain people; like a song, dance, circus skill or something unique that you can do
Example: “Everyone needs to see James’ party piece. He loves to show off his ventriloquist skills.”
I have also provided for you a list of different parties with their definitions and purposes.
A list of different parties
1- Birthday party
Meaning: to celebrate someone turning another year older
2- Farewell party
Meaning: to say goodbye to someone who is leaving the area permanently
3- Housewarming party
Meaning: to congratulate the owners of a new home or apartment
4- Surprise party
Meaning: a party in which the person who is being celebrated is not aware of the party
5- Dinner party
Meaning: a social gathering at which people eat dinner together
6- Garden party
Meaning: a party in a park or a garden. A garden party can be a prestigious event.
7- Tea party
Meaning: a formal gathering for afternoon tea
8- House party
Meaning: a party where a large group of people get together at a private home to socialize
9- pool party
Meaning: a party in which the guests swim in a swimming pool
10- Fundraising party or fundraiser
Meaning: a party that is held for collecting money that will be given to some person or to some institution,
11- Graduation party
Meaning: a party to celebrate graduation from school, college, or university
12- welcome party
Meaning: a party held for welcoming a newcomer, such as a new club member, a new employee, or a family’s new baby
13- singles dance party and mixer
Meaning: a party which is organized for people who are not married and who want to find a partner for friendship, dating, or sex.
Marriage-related parties
- Bridal shower
Meaning: a gift-giving party held for a bride-to-be before her wedding
- Bachelor party (UK: stag night; Australia: Bucks Night)
Meaning: a party held/arranged by the man who is shortly to enter marriage
- Bachelorette party (hen night, hen party)
Meaning: a party held for a woman (the bride or bride-to-be) who will soon be married
- Wedding party
Meaning: a party to celebrate the marriage of a couple
It is worthwhile here to mention a few grammatical points about the words and expressions in this field.
Grammatical points regarding “Party”
Let’s begin with the word “party”. This word can be used as a noun and a verb. Look at the following examples:
Example 1: We partied all night. This means we had a party all night long. Here, the word “party” is used as a verb.
Example 2: I went to his birthday party. Here, the word “party” is used as a noun.
The expressions used for organizing a party are “have a party” and “throw a party”, the latter being more informal.
Example 1: We are going to have a surprise party for her birthday.
Example 2: They are going to throw a surprise party.
The person organizing the party is called the “host” and people who attend the party are called “gusts”.
Example 1: Alice is the host of this party.
Example 2: The guests really enjoyed the wedding party.
Note: the word “host” can also be used as a verb: Mr. and Mrs. Smith are hosting this party.
The verbs to use for going to party include “go” (Informal) and “attend” (formal). Look at the following examples:
Example 1: Are you going to her birthday party? (informal)
Example 2: They said they will attend the party. (formal)
The preposition used for referring to presence at the party is “at”. Look at the following examples:
Example 1: I was at the party last night.
Example 2: I saw him at the party.
Concluding note
Today we reviewed a number of party expressions and idioms. Knowing these expressions will make you more confident in talking about parties.
However, you should be careful to use them correctly and naturally. We also covered the grammatical points about the subject.
I suggest you study this lesson carefully and try to use the expressions and idioms in your speaking. Hope you enjoyed today’s lesson. Visit my page for more interesting lessons.
Hi, welcome to my blog! My name is Omid and I am thrilled to have you here! I am an English language teacher with 12 years of experience and hold multiple international certifications (TESOL, IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, CELTA). Additionally, I hold a PhD in Applied Linguistics with a specialization in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL), which fuels my passion for teaching English and assisting others in mastering the language. To me, nothing is more rewarding than helping individuals enhance their English language abilities through various methods. So, let’s embark on this journey of learning English together.
