This paper will be concerned with the euphemism "partying" as used by college undergraduates. As a general rule, the word "party" is a noun referring either to a social gathering or a political organization. The verb "partying" is also listed in the dictionary as an American variation of the word. As such, it simply refers to the act of engaging in a social gathering. However, when used by a group of college undergraduates, "partying" has special connotations which are not found in the normal use of the word. Specifically, it implies getting drunk and behaving in a rowdy fashion. In some cases, it can also imply the use of recreational drugs. When used by college students, "partying" is a euphemism because it sounds less offensive than "getting drunk" or "getting stoned." In fact, the term "partying" sounds like it is referring to good, clean fun. As this paper will show, the use of this euphemism reflects a number of things about the state of mind of undergraduates.
College undergraduates experience unique psychological demands because they are going through a number of important transitional changes in their lives. Most undergraduates are making the transition from adolescence to young adulthood. As such, they need to learn to adjust to the new responsibilities which come with adulthood. Many experts feel that the transition to adulthood is one of the most traumatic changes that a person experiences in life. The young adult must decide upon a personal identity, make a choice of career, establish a lifestyle, and learn to develop adult-to-adult relationships (Lugo, 1984, p. 28). In addition, the young adult who is attending college is usually living away from home for the first time in his or her life. Being away from home for the first time is a mixed blessing. On the one hand, the young adult gets to experience greater independence than ever before. On the other hand, however, he or she must deal with the responsib...