one-night stand

/'wʌnnait'stænd/ Cách viết khác : (one-nighter) /'wʌn,naitə/
Học thuật
Thân thiện
Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A performance given in a particular location on only one night: This meaning originates from the world of theater and touring entertainment, referring to a single performance by a group or artist at a venue before moving on.
    • A brief sexual encounter lasting only for a single night: This is the more common contemporary meaning, describing a sexual liaison between individuals that is not intended to develop into a longer-term relationship and typically involves no further contact.
Examples

  • Noun (Performance):

    • The band's tour included several one-night stands in small towns across the state.
    • In the early 20th century, many actors performed in one-night stands at local theaters.

  • Noun (Sexual Encounter):

    • The novel's protagonist regrets the series of one-night stands she had in her youth.
    • He considered it just a one-night stand and was surprised when she called him again.
Advanced Usage
  • The term is often used to imply a lack of emotional commitment or future expectation.
    • Their relationship started as a one-night stand but unexpectedly turned into something more serious.
  • It can be used metaphorically to describe any brief, non-recurring interaction or event.
    • The company's collaboration with the designer was a one-night stand; they never worked together again.
Variants and Related Words
  • One-nighter (noun): An informal variant with the same meanings.
    • He played a one-nighter at the jazz club.
Synonyms
  • For the performance meaning: Single performance, single engagement.
  • For the sexual encounter meaning: Casual encounter, hookup, fling.
Idioms and Common Phrases
  • While "one-night stand" itself is a fixed phrase, it is commonly used in expressions like:
    • To have a one-night stand (with someone): To engage in a brief sexual encounter.
      • They met at the conference and had a one-night stand.
    • Just a one-night stand: Used to emphasize the transient nature of the event.
      • Don't get attached; it was just a one-night stand.
Noun
  1. a performance in one place on one night only
  2. a brief sexual encounter lasting only for a single night
    • he ran through a series of loveless one-night stands