Definition of a party

According to the Oxford Dictionary:

stag

• noun 1 a fully adult male deer. 2 an adult male turkey. 3 before another noun (of a social gathering) attended by men only.

— ORIGIN related to an Old Norse word meaning ‘male bird’.

hen

• noun 1 a female bird, especially of a domestic fowl. 2 (hens) domestic fowls of either sex.

— ORIGIN Old English.

Now this puts an interesting spin on good old hen nights or stag parties, doesn’t it?

Whilst the lads might have proud and confident notions of the stag as an adult male deer at the beginning of their stag weekends, it’s interesting to note that there is the second aspect of the definition of ‘stag’: the turkey. When it all goes pear-shaped by the end of the weekend, then the boys only have to remember that they’re out celebrating a social gathering where they’re all likely to end up looking like turkeys. Very apt, but still the ultimate last hurrah before settling down to a long and prosperous marriage!

There’s not much hope for the ladies with the term ‘hen’ though. Domestic through and through, perhaps this explains some of the costumes that brides-to-be end up donning during their hen party!

Either way, it’s nice to know that when it comes to both stag and hen weekends - it’s for the birds! Domestic fowl or turkeys foul – make sure you create a personalised stage or hen package to make the event truly memorable… or memorably forgettable – whichever you prefer! Either at home or abroad, stag and hen parties are the most brilliant blast for wedded bliss!