The British slang knees up means a noisy party where people dance. It is an informal exuberant social gathering, party, or event where folks have fun and dance uplifting their knees.
People use this nonformal slang to describe a good time or having fun in their casual conversation. So if you listen knees up, it means something exciting will happen.
Origin of Knees Up:
There are two interpretations based on the origin of the British slang knees up;
- It originated in the early 20th century from the British traditional dance and music halls. In those dance scenes, people lift their knees with the song’s rhythm. Over time the term became popular and used by the people to refer to any vibrant and energetic social gathering.
- Another report suggests it came from the cockney rhyme Knees Up Mother Brown dated 1918.
When Was Knees Up First Used?
The preliminary evidence of the phrase Knees up Mother Brown was found by Weston and Lee in 1913 in a text.
Why Is It Called Knees Up?
Because it originates from the song Knees up Mother Brown dated in the 1800s but was officially published in 1938 in the East End of London. The cockney slang Knees up lively parties also implies for dancing.
Do “Knees Up Mother Brown” Make Queen Fun?
As per the explanation of the song it was thought that it made Queen Victoria fun. In 1861 after Prince Albert’s death, the Queen isolated herself from the World. People thought that it was due to her sadness and felt sorrow for her. But when her lamenting goes on for years. Then people say she needs to come back to handle to monarchy and appear in public life. Otherwise, in these circumstances, the respect for the monarchy began to decline trivially.
What Does Royal Knees Up Mean?
The British slang royal knees up also means a boisterous party.
Examples of Knees Up:
- After getting the dream project we all went out for knees up and to celebrate victory with our team.
- Sarah’s party invitation shows that there will be knees up in the night.
- We had great knees up with Mosan and his wife Alizy in the pub
- Everyone had knees up at Rohi’s bachelor party with starters and drinks.
- We are planning knees up at the weekend. If you have no plans, you should join us.
Synonym of Knees Up:
Get-together, celebration, jollification, hootenanny, blow out, meet up, reception, festivity, soiree, do, shinding, function, shivoo, at home, rave, hooley or hoolie, fete, red letter day, beano, carousal, revelry, merrymaking, wingding, hoot, fest, bunfight, event, jamboree, binge, social occasion.
Final Words:
Overall, the British slang “knees up” has the same meaning in different contexts. This informal slang is connected to the happiness and joy of people in their leisure time.
We hope after exploring the article, now you have a deep knowledge and understanding of the slang like a regional. For further British slang meanings stay updated with us.
