beanfeast: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareInformal, dated, chiefly British
Quick answer
What does “beanfeast” mean?
A celebratory event or party, especially an annual staff outing or dinner provided by an employer.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A celebratory event or party, especially an annual staff outing or dinner provided by an employer.
Any lively or festive gathering, often with an element of unrestrained enjoyment or indulgence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is predominantly British and would be largely unknown or considered archaic in American English. The concept is expressed with terms like "office party," "company picnic," or "annual dinner."
Connotations
In British English, it carries connotations of old-fashioned, works-based jollity, sometimes with a slightly mocking or nostalgic tone.
Frequency
Very infrequent in modern British English and nearly nonexistent in American English.
Grammar
How to Use “beanfeast” in a Sentence
The [organization] held its annual beanfeast.It was a real beanfeast.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Historically for employer-provided annual dinners/outings; now rarely used.
Academic
Used in historical or sociological texts discussing 19th/20th century British labour relations or social history.
Everyday
Rare. If used, likely humorous or ironic.
Technical
Not applicable.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “beanfeast”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “beanfeast”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “beanfeast”
- Confusing it with 'beano' (another dated term for a festive outing). Assuming it is a common modern term.
- Using it in formal contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered a dated and rare term, primarily of historical interest or used for humorous effect.
It originates from the 18th/19th century practice of employers hosting a dinner for employees, where a meal featuring bacon and beans was traditionally served.
It is not recommended, as the term is very specifically British and would likely cause confusion.
They are very similar dated terms for a festive outing or party, often used interchangeably. 'Beano' might imply a slightly more raucous or lively event.
A celebratory event or party, especially an annual staff outing or dinner provided by an employer.
Beanfeast is usually informal, dated, chiefly british in register.
Beanfeast: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbiːn.fiːst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbin.fist/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's not exactly a beanfeast. (humorous understatement)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a FEAST where the main dish is BEANS – a simple, hearty meal for workers, hence a BEANFEAST.
Conceptual Metaphor
CELEBRATION IS A FEAST (specifically a humble, communal one).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most accurate description of a 'beanfeast'?