Shindies

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A lively gathering characterized by merriment and celebration, often involving music and dancing
2. an informal party that emphasizes a festive atmosphere and social interaction
3. an event or occasion where guests engage in revelry and enjoy each other's company

Etymology: "Shindies" is the plural of "shindy," a mid-19th-century slang word that could mean a noisy quarrel or a lively party. Its exact origin is uncertain. It is closely tied to "shindig," an American word first recorded around 1859, and the two may have influenced each other. Some writers have linked the word to shinty, the Scottish stick-and-ball game, but this connection rests on guesswork rather than documented evidence. The word's sense of a commotion was probably the older one, with the sense of a festive gathering developing later. Because the word was used mainly in informal speech, early written records are sparse, and the precise sequence of meanings is hard to pin down.

Synonyms: parties, celebrations, gatherings