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

• IPA^(key): /ʌnˈbɜːθ.deɪ/
• IPA^(key): /ʌnˈbɝθ.deɪ/

• Audio (AU):

  (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

Translations

• Dutch: onverjaardag m
• French: non-anniversaire (fr) m
• (deprecated template usage) {{trans-mid}}
• Spanish: no cumpleaños m