Help - I need a word ...

[snooper]

... so I thought the erudite editors at Lit could help me.

In the UK the all-male party for the groom before a wedding is called a stag party.
The corresponding all-female event for a bride is called a hen party.

A mature couple I know well are marrying and are having a joint dinner party to replace these events. What would they call it? The two obvious answers are "sten" or "hag" party, but neither of those seems suitable.

Anyone got any bright ideas?

 

[hiddenself]

In the US, it is "bachelor" and "bachelorette" parties. But I don't think there's a word for a "joint" such. The whole intent is to be able to go wild without the soon-to-be spouse around -- one last hurrah, so to speak. A joint party would defeat the purpose, no?

 

[Madame Manga]

Uh, the rehearsal dinner? ;-)

Yes, exactly--if it's jointly attended, it's not a stag party of any gender.

MM

 

[alg68]

I'm surprised to find a post here suggesting that it's impossible to have a 'last hurrah' at a mixed party.... I think the attitude of the party is more important than the composition of the guests - If there is concern over which serving fork is proper, then it's a rehearsal dinner. If the concern is whether clothing is optional or forbidden, then it's a last hurrah

At any rate, 'Last Hurrah' might actually be a good name for the party. If you wish to carry out the animal theme started by hen or stag, then you're rather stuck with something such as earthworm - not exactly an appealing name for a party. Is there another hermaphroditic animal with a more pleasing name? Regardless, I think you're going to have to explain the name of the party...

Let us know what you end up with!

 

[HawaiiBill]

Stags and Does and Hens

There are those who believe the 'stag' in this use -- which OED says is derived from the United States -- relates to the young male chicken, hence the counterpart of 'hen' in reference to parties for women only.

'Stag' is the word for young roosters -- generally under a year in age...not 'roostered out.'

Taken in that context, the 'hen' counterpart is less demeaning than it might seem were handsome young deer the male folks. When you raise chickens, as we do around here, you learn there is nothing demeaning about being a hen. They are far more important to a flock than any rooster who contributes little of value beyond playing Chanticleer every morning. Only in raising game birds -- fighting cocks -- does the value always accumulate to the males in the yard.

Your friends should not search for a separate name for an ordinary pre-nuptual dinner for both genders. Just call it 'civilized.'