unbirthday
English
[edit]Alternative forms
[edit]Etymology
[edit]From un- + birthday, coined by English writer Lewis Carroll (1832–1898) in Through the Looking-Glass (1871).
Pronunciation
[edit]- (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ʌnˈbɜːθ.deɪ/
- (General American) IPA(key): /ʌnˈbɝθ.deɪ/
Audio (General Australian): (file) - Hyphenation: un‧birth‧day
Noun
[edit]unbirthday (plural unbirthdays)
- A day that is not one's birthday but is celebrated as though it were.
- 1871 December 27 (indicated as 1872), Lewis Carroll [pseudonym; Charles Lutwidge Dodgson], “Humpty Dumpty”, in Through the Looking-Glass, and What Alice Found There, London: Macmillan and Co., →OCLC, pages 121–122:
- "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." / "I beg your pardon?" Alice said with a puzzled air." / "I'm not offended," said Humpty Dumpty. / "I mean, what is an un-birthday present?" / "A present given when it isn't your birthday, of course."
- 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
[edit]Translations
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