knees-up

American  

[neez-uhp] / ˈnizˌʌp /

noun

British Informal.

1. a party or lively gathering, usually including dancing.

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knees-up British  

noun

1. a boisterous dance involving the raising of alternate knees

2. a lively noisy party or celebration, esp one with dancing

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Etymology

Origin of knees-up

By ellipsis from Knees up, Mother Brown a popular dance, originally a song with the same title (1939)

Example Sentences

You’re almost, almost ready to have a right royal knees-up.

From BBC • May 2, 2023

"It's like the younger royals having a celebratory Buckingham Palace knees-up and not inviting the Queen."

From BBC • Dec. 29, 2021

It begins with sprightly Celtic fiddle music and show-off knees-up and step-dancing moves.

From New York Times • Oct. 22, 2018

Team bonding is the theme for Christmas parties in London's financial district this year as managers tone down the annual knees-up and label it as staff development.

From Reuters • Dec. 18, 2014

At some point, after the audience have departed, will he and Cvitesic enjoy a massive on-set knees-up?

From The Guardian • Apr. 6, 2013