A knees-up

Feifei Hello, I’m Feifei and this is The English We Speak.

Rob … and hello, it’s Rob here. Err, Feifei, I hope you don’t mind me saying but you look a bit hot and sweaty.

Feifei That’s because I’ve been training for this ‘thing’ that Dan’s having for his birthday.

Rob A ‘thing’ - what sort of thing?

Feifei Well according to his party invitation, he’s having a knees-up to celebrate his birthday. I’m not sure what it is but I wanted to be prepared by getting fit. Look I can get my knee up to my chin!

Rob That’s impressive but completely unnecessary. A knees-up is an informal way of saying a lively party where there’s usually dancing. So he’s having a party!

Feifei Oh right. So I’ve been invited to Dan’s birthday party! Well, if there’s dancing I still need to get fit.

Rob
That’s true. Let’s hear some more examples of people having a knees-up …

Examples Sorry I’m a bit sleepy today, we had a big knees-up last night. It was great!

We’re planning a knees-up for Dad’s 70th birthday, I hope you can come.

Now our exams have finished, let’s have a knees-up at my house tonight!

Feifei So a knees-up is a lively party or gathering to celebrate something. This is going to be fun!

Rob Yes, there’ll be dancing…

Feifei Good.

Rob
Eating and drinking …

Feifei Perfect.

Rob
And lots of celebrating. But this knees-up will be missing one thing.

Feifei Oh yes, what’s that?

Rob Me. I won’t be coming - I haven’t got time - I’m up to my knees in paperwork.

Feifei ‘Up to your knees’ in paperwork! You mean you’ve got too much work to do - come on Rob, be honest, you haven’t been invited!

Rob Well….yes. I can’t dance anyway, I’ve got a bad knee.

Feifei
Excuses. I’ll let you know how it goes. Bye!

Rob
Bye!