What does kegger mean?
A kegger is an informal term for a party centred on beer, especially beer served from a keg. It usually suggests a social gathering rather than a formal celebration and may carry a mildly irreverent, rowdy, or alcohol-focused tone. In casual conversation, someone might ask whether friends are going to a kegger or mention hosting one at the end of a wedding or holiday weekend. The term is used in both British and American English. Because it names a particular kind of drinking party, “kegger” can sound dismissive when used to label someone else's behaviour, and it is generally unsuitable in formal writing unless the informality is intentional. Even so, it is a vivid and economical term for an event organised around shared beer and casual company.
nounAn informal, usually large party at which beer is served, often directly from a keg.
- An informal party at which beer, especially beer served from a keg, is consumed.
"They invited half the neighbourhood to the kegger on Saturday night."
"The kegger continued well into the morning."
"The annual reunion was less a formal dinner than a large kegger at the back of the house."
The regular plural is formed by adding -s.
"Several keggers were planned for the holiday weekend."
Its name comes from the keg itself, turning the barrel that holds the beer into the word for a reason to open it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does kegger come from?
The word was formed in the mid-20th century by adding the suffix -er to “keg,” a word for a small barrel used for storing and serving drinks. Its development reflects the practice of serving beer directly from a keg at an informal gathering. Related forms include “kegful” and “kegstand,” while “kegling” originally referred to someone who participated in keg-based drinking gatherings.
Related word forms
How kegger is actually used
Informal and potentially dismissive: it describes a casual, alcohol-centred gathering and can sound rowdy or somewhat derogatory when applied to other people's behaviour.
Easily confused with kegger
A kegger is a beer-centred party, whereas a beggar is a person who lacks the financial resources to meet basic needs.