General
pre-game
What does pre-game mean?
More broadly, to prepare or hype yourself for any event by getting in the right headspace first.
"I pre-game every exam with three coffees and a panic."
Origin
American college slang borrowed from sports, where 'pre-game' means activities before a match. It shifted to mean pre-party drinking in the 2000s campus scene.
Frequently asked questions
What does pre-game mean in party slang?
It means drinking before you go out, usually to get buzzed cheaply before hitting pricier bars or clubs. The British equivalent is 'pre-drinks' or 'prinks.'
Why do people pre-game?
Mostly to save money since bar and club drinks are expensive, and to arrive already in a fun mood.
Is pre-game a noun or a verb?
Both. You can pre-game (verb) at the pre-game (noun, the gathering itself).
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