DCHP-3

stag and doe

DCHP-2 (Apr 2013)

Spelling variants:
stag-and-doe, Stag and Doe

n. Ontario, Social customs, often in compounds, e.g. stag and doe party

a dance or party for an engaged couple to raise funds for their wedding.

Type: 1. Origin Although the terms "bachelor party" and "bachelorette party" appear to be more common in Canada than the British equivalents "stag party" and "hen night", it seems that stag and doe party is preferred for a joint event. "Stag" meaning 'male bachelor party', is a well-established term, which suggests that "doe" was added by analogy. Note the semantic differences between stag and doe, where tickets are sold and money is raised, and "bachelor(ette) party", where such practices are unusual. Stag and doe party is most prevalent in Canada (see Chart 1), and most examples come from Ontario (see Chart 2). A common variant of the term is buck and doe (also a Canadianism), indicating an analogy with use of the synonyms "stag" and "buck" used interchangeably.
See also COD-2, s.v. "stag and doe", which is marked "Cdn (Ont.)".

Quotations

1986
A Barry's Bay man has been charged with dangerous use of a firearm and impaired driving Saturday after an incident outside the Barry's Bay Legion Hall on Front Street about 11 p.m. that night. Police say a man was ejected from a "stag and doe" party for an area couple, but attempted to return to the party with what police believe was a shotgun. About two hours later police arrested a man sitting in his car on country road near the village.
1996
Marsha McCreadie, reservations manager at Mohawk College's student centre, said 80 per cent of the bookings she gets are for stag-and-doe parties compared with about 70-per-cent stag parties five years ago. Grant said the stag and doe has taken over where old-style showers left off and couples may now receive thousands of dollars. Today's bride is as likely to have a wine shower or to take in a male strip show before tying the knot, said Grant.
2003
To see strippers -- nay, to want to see strippers -- is to buy into one of Western culture's worst and most damaging sicknesses: objectification. Even the men-only aspect of our stag parties has been controversial. This joint stag and doe weekend is a cultural compromise. Just as fraternal organizations across North America are dealing with declining memberships, the traditional stag party appears more and more outdated and unnecessary.
2003
Adding to the confusion is the Jack and Jill party, commonly known as a Stag and Doe in rural areas. Originally, the co-ed party was created as a replacement for the traditional stag and shower, a chance for the engaged couple to celebrate together, without strippers. It has since morphed into a fundraiser to help pay for the wedding or the honeymoon, complete with an admission charge and money-making games. And it's now acceptable to have a shower as well.
2012
The Amyottes wedding cost about $13,000, with family contributing about $3,000. Besides saving the difference themselves, the rest came from a stag and doe party. "We made $2,700 from gifts and door prizes, plus people bought pies to hit us with. It was a huge success and tons of fun - minus being pied in the face over 30 times," said Kyle.
2016
Bonnie and Brad are having a Stag and Doe in a small town community hall kitchen. Dee, their Maid of Honour, is still getting over being left at the altar. Mandy and Rob are getting married that very day and Jay just found out his entire catering staff is in jail. Stag and Doe takes a laugh-filled look at the perils of pre-nuptial shenanigans and is perfect for anyone who is planning a wedding, attending a wedding, or paying for a wedding!

References

  • COD-2

Images


        Chart 1: Internet Domain Search, 13 Nov. 2013

Chart 1: Internet Domain Search, 13 Nov. 2013

Chart 2: Regional Domain Search, 26 Jan. 2016

Chart 2: Regional Domain Search, 26 Jan. 2016