Is 'beano' a common word?

No, it is a low-frequency, informal British English word that is now somewhat dated.

Can 'beano' refer to something other than a party?

Yes, historically it was also the name of a long-running British children's comic (The Beano).

Should I use 'beano' in formal writing?

No, it is strictly informal and regionally specific.

What is the origin of the word 'beano'?

It is a shortening of 'beanfeast', a 19th-century term for a celebratory annual dinner given by employers to employees.

How do you pronounce “beano”?

Beano: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbiːnəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbiːnoʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

beano: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Low

UK/ˈbiːnəʊ/US/ˈbiːnoʊ/

Informal, chiefly British English, now somewhat dated.

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “beano” mean?

A lively, informal party or celebration.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A lively, informal party or celebration.

A term historically used in British English for a cheap comic, later as a synonym for 'beanfeast'—a celebratory meal, often a works outing.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

In British English, it can mean a celebratory event or a children's comic. The word is largely obsolete and unused in standard American English.

Connotations

UK: Nostalgic, working-class celebration, or children's humour. US: Generally unknown; may cause confusion.

Frequency

Very low in UK; virtually zero in US.

Grammar

How to Use “beano” in a Sentence

have a beanogo on a beanothe annual office beano

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

annual beanooffice beano

medium

have a beanocompany beano

weak

big beanolittle beano

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

'The firm's annual beano is at a hotel this year.' (UK-specific, historical).

Academic

Not applicable.

Everyday

'We're having a bit of a beano for Dave's retirement.' (UK, informal).

Technical

Not applicable.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “beano”

Strong

beanfeast bash shindig

Neutral

party celebration jamboree

Weak

get-together do

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “beano”

wakesolemn occasion

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “beano”

Using it in formal writing.
Using it in American contexts where it is not understood.
Spelling as 'bean-o'.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No, it is a low-frequency, informal British English word that is now somewhat dated.
: Yes, historically it was also the name of a long-running British children's comic (The Beano).
: No, it is strictly informal and regionally specific.
: It is a shortening of 'beanfeast', a 19th-century term for a celebratory annual dinner given by employers to employees.
: A lively, informal party or celebration.
: Beano: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbiːnəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbiːnoʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“Don't get your knickers in a twist, it's just a beano!”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Imagine a party where the main dish is beans—a simple, hearty, informal BEAN-feast or BEANO.

Conceptual Metaphor

CELEBRATION IS A LOW-COST MEAL (beanfeast).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

After the successful project, the team decided to have a little to celebrate.

Multiple Choice

In which variety of English is the word 'beano' primarily used?