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

As the awards came to a close, McDonald said: "I'm off for a knees-up with all my favourite soap stars, I'm so excited."

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2023

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

From New York Times • Oct. 22, 2018

This viciously corrupt and broken society shoves the vulnerable to the margins and Keegan-Dolan stages what may be Ireland’s least enjoyable knees-up.

From The Guardian • Nov. 24, 2017

The actress Lynda Bellingham's funeral was planned as an "all-singing, all-dancing knees-up", according to one paper.

From BBC • Jun. 14, 2015

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