unbirthday

English

WOTD – 28 February 2016

Alternative forms

  • un-birthday

Etymology

From un- + birthday, coined by English writer Lewis Carroll (1832–1898) in Through the Looking-Glass (1871).

Pronunciation

  • (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ʌnˈbɜːθ.deɪ/
  • (General American) IPA(key): /ʌnˈbɝθ.deɪ/
  • (file)
  • Hyphenation: un‧birth‧day

Noun

unbirthday (plural unbirthdays)

  1. A day that is not one's birthday but is celebrated as though it were.
    • 1871, Lewis Carroll, Through the Looking-Glass
      'They gave it me,' Humpty Dumpty continued thoughtfully, as he crossed one knee over the other and clasped his hands round it, 'they gave it me for an un-birthday present.'
    • 1995, Terry Orlick, Nice on My Feelings: Nurturing the Best in Children and Parents
      Hunting for treasures on any special day (like Easter, Christmas, birthdays or unbirthdays) can be fun for children and parents alike.
    • 1998, Alison Molinare Boteler, Matthew Klein, The Disney Party Handbook: 14 Fun Filled Parties
      Another way to look at unbirthdays is as an opportunity to celebrate every day of life. You can throw a party for no particular reason, except for FUN!
    • 2006, Sheila Ellison, 365 Games Smart Toddlers Play: Creative Time to Imagine, Grow and Learn
      Make an unbirthday cake and wear party hats when you blow out the candles together.
    • 2007, Lisa Samson, Quaker Summer
      I got some great photos with the unbirthday camera you left for me in the suitcase. Thanks.
    • 2008, Eleanor Hoyt Brainerd, Pegeen
      "This is just an unbirthday party. Wait till you see your birthday party. When is your birthday, Peg?"

Translations

This article is issued from Wiktionary. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.