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private function
noun phrase

- a usually social event that is not open to the public

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WORD ORIGIN

As the expression suggests, a private function is an event by invitation only for a select group of people. Private functions are usually social events, but can also have other purposes, be it political, business or otherwise. The word private stems from the Latin "privatus" (belonging to oneself) and is in contrast to the Latin "publicus" and "communis" (public).

In this day and age, private functions don't always remain private, particularly if they involve high-level politicians and/or royal families. This can sometimes have embarrassing consequences. Just ask George W. Bush:

When Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II arrived at the White House one year for a private function with the U.S. president and a host of other important people, President Bush welcomed the queen with a royal faux pas about her age. According to the Washington Post, he began by suggesting the queen had witnessed American independence in 1776.

Expressing admiration for her long friendship with the United States, Bush noted that Elizabeth had dined with 10 presidents and had "helped our nation celebrate its bicentennial in 17 . . ." He quickly caught and corrected his mistake, "in 1976."

Her Majesty did not appear to be amused. Laughter could be heard across the South Lawn of the White House where the reception was being held. But the queen, who had recently celebrated her 81st birthday, gave Bush a look that he acknowledged "only a mother could give a child."

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SMUGGLE OWAD INTO TODAY'S CONVERSATION:

"I suggest we organise a private function to thank our sales representatives for a successful year."