shindig

noun

shin·​dig ˈshin-ˌdig 

1

a

: a social gathering with dancing

b

: a usually large or lavish party

2

: shindy sense 2

Did you know?

At a glance, shindig appears to combine shin and dig, and thus might seem to suggest a painful kick to the leg—especially when you know that one of the first senses of shindig in English refers to a gathering at which people dance. It is more likely, however, that shindig is an alteration of shindy, which is itself the alteration of another word, shinny, used of a variation of hockey that is played with a curved stick and a ball or block of wood. It's not entirely clear how the game of shinny gave shindy its first meaning (the "social gathering with dancing" meaning that is also the original meaning of shindig) but shinny remains the most likely origin.

Synonyms of shindig

• event
• party
• bash
• celebration
• reception

Examples of shindig in a Sentence

we're hosting a little shindig this weekend for some friends

Recent Examples on the Web

Tearful supporters at a California Working Families Party shindig at the Mission Control bar and arcade in downtown Santa Ana hugged Lopez, gifted her flowers and wished her well. —Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 11 June 2026

Dua and Callum did not disappoint, emerging on Sunday afternoon for the shindig, with Dua wearing a sheer white Chloé dress and carrying a swan clutch bag. —Rebecca Cope, Vogue, 8 June 2026

But that’s downright quaint compared to the opulent shindigs and fabled debauchery of the home’s previous owner. —Rosemary Counter, Vanity Fair, 8 June 2026

Impress with this easy, 3-ingredient appetizer at your next shindig. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 5 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

probably alteration of shindy

First Known Use

1841, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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Kids Definition

shindig

noun

shin·​dig ˈshin-ˌdig 

: a big fancy party