unbirthday

English

Etymology

un- +‎ birthday, coined by Lewis Carroll in Through the Looking-Glass (1871).

Pronunciation

• (US) IPA: ʌn.bɝːθ.deɪ
• (UK) IPA: ʌn.bɜːθ.deɪ

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?"