"Do"

[curiosity]

Mentioned the christmas "do" and my 6 year old said "what's a do?" apart from explaining my understanding of it and introducing her to the "I'm going to a duck do" joke, I couldn't really tell her why it was called a "do" is there a particular origin to the word. Thanks

[Quizmonster]

In the early 19th century, a 'do' was anything 'done' in a set, formal or organised way such as a performance, display etc. It then took on a more joking meaning in reference to parties or - in a gallows humour way - in more serious situations such as warfare, as in "We had quite a time of it during the Dunkirk do."

[ali_alic]

Whats the "I'm going to a duck do" joke then??

[pattylou]

what's a duck do ? quack quack.