Where "Knees-Up" Comes From
This one is British in origin, not Australian — it comes from the old music-hall song "Knees Up Mother Brown," which describes exactly the kind of lively, boisterous dancing (literally kicking your knees up) associated with a good party. Australian English adopted it wholesale as a general word for a lively celebration.
It sits alongside bash and shindig as one of several near-identical words Australians use for the same idea — a fun, energetic party, with no meaningful difference between the three beyond personal preference.
Source:
"They had a proper knees-up for the retirement."
How Aussies Actually Use It
It's used for any energetic, celebratory gathering, especially ones with music and dancing.
It has an old-fashioned, cheeky charm, often used with a knowing smile.
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