Definition

Proper noun * Fat Tuesday: The day before Ash Wednesday, which is the final day of the season of feasting and celebration (Carnival) before the fasting period of Lent begins in the Christian calendar. It is traditionally a day of indulgence in rich, fatty foods.

Usage and Examples

• As a proper noun (the name of a specific day):
  • The city is famous for its extravagant parade on Fat Tuesday.
  • We ate king cake to celebrate Fat Tuesday.
  • The term "Fat Tuesday" comes from the tradition of using up all the rich foods in the house before Lent.

Advanced Usage and Cultural Context

• "Mardi Gras": "Fat Tuesday" is the direct English translation of the French term . In many contexts, especially in New Orleans, the terms are used interchangeably to refer to the day itself and the wider Carnival season.
  • The Fat Tuesday celebrations in New Orleans are world-famous.
• Shrove Tuesday: This is another name for the same day, more common in some English-speaking countries, which emphasizes the tradition of being "shriven" (absolved of sins) before Lent.

Variants and Related Words

• Mardi Gras (n): The French term for Fat Tuesday; often used to describe the entire Carnival season and its festivities, particularly in Louisiana, USA.
• Shrove Tuesday (n): A synonym for Fat Tuesday, highlighting the religious practice of confession.
• Carnival (n): The festive season that culminates on Fat Tuesday.
• Pancake Day (n): An informal name for Shrove Tuesday in some countries, stemming from the tradition of eating pancakes to use up rich ingredients.

Synonyms

• Shrove Tuesday
• Mardi Gras (from French)

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "Laissez les bons temps rouler!": This French phrase meaning "Let the good times roll!" is famously associated with Fat Tuesday / Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans.
  • During the parade, everyone was shouting, "Laissez les bons temps rouler!"

Noun

1. a carnival held in some countries on Shrove Tuesday (the last day before Lent) but especially in New Orleans