"Works Christmas Do"

[CroissantwithCheese]

I just wish people would stop saying it. Shouldn't it be 'work's Christmas do' as it is a party organised by the workplace? 'Works' would make sense for a union or a steelworks.

Its so annoying and its bloody everywhere right now.

I think "works" is being used as an adjective in the phrase "works Christmas do", so no need for apostrophe.

Should it not be 'work Christmas do'? as in, I have my work Christmas do next week. Work Summer party etc.

These days, probably yes. I think "works" is archaic. You said it - "steel works", metal works" etc. You don't hear "works" so much these days when there are fewer factories around.

I've always said work do.

They're using "the Works" in an old fashioned way to mean "the place of work", probably.

In the US, we just say office holiday party, even if it's not an office. But many businesses stopped having them during the recession and haven't brought them back. Thank god.

Agree with other replies. A lot of people used to refer to their place of work, as 'works' as in car works, steel works, etc. and I'd assume it came from that.

That said, whoever writes that down ? So how would you know where they are placing the apostrophe ?

You can say "I am going to The Works' Christmas Do" if you happen to work at budget bookshop The Works. :)

It's made ten times worse when spelt "doo". I've always wondered what that's all about.

"office holiday party"

Is it right that you're not allowed to mention Christmas in US offices then? I thought that was an urban myth.

Of course we are allowed to mention Christmas. But since a work-sponsored party is for everyone, the practice is to use inclusive language.

Can't anyone Bo along to a Christmas party? They can here. As then can to a Diwali celebration, or any other.
If you're having a party because it's Christmas, it's a Christmas party. If you're having an office party that just happens to be in December, then IABU and apologise.

Thank you OP, I was just about to start a thread on this, it's bothered me for quite some time. Will read with interest.