The word "whist drive" is a term used to describe a social activity where people play the card game of whist in a competitive setting. The spelling of "whist" is phonetically represented by the IPA symbol /wɪst/, which indicates the sound of the "wh" blend followed by the short "i" vowel and the "s" consonant. "Drive" is pronounced as /draɪv/, with a diphthong sound represented by the combination of the "aɪ" vowels. Together, "whist drive" is a unique term that represents a specific cultural event.
A "whist drive" is a social gathering, often organized as a fundraising event, in which participants engage in the card game called whist. Whist itself is a classic trick-taking game played by four players in two partnerships. The objective of the game is to win the most tricks or achieve a specific target of points, depending on the variation being played.
During a whist drive, individuals interested in playing the game, usually members of a community or organization, gather together at a designated venue. The event is typically arranged with the intention of raising funds for a worthy cause, such as charity, community projects, or local initiatives. Attendees contribute an entry fee or donation, which may be used to support the cause or provide prizes for the winners.
The term "drive" in "whist drive" refers to the competitive nature of the event, as participants aim to accumulate the highest score or win the most games. These drives can range from small, intimate gatherings among friends, to larger-scale events with numerous tables and teams competing simultaneously. It is common for scores to be tallied throughout the event, leading to an ultimate victor or winners. Whist drives often foster a sense of camaraderie and provide an opportunity for social interaction, as players engage with one another during the course of the games and during breaks.
The term "whist drive" is derived from the game of whist, a popular card game played in the 18th and 19th centuries. "Whist" itself has its roots in earlier card games, such as "trump" and "ruff", which emerged in the mid-16th century. The word "whist" is likely an alteration of the word "wist", which means quiet or silent. This reflects the silent nature of the game, as players were not allowed to communicate verbally during play.
The addition of the word "drive" to "whist" is more recent and specific to social gatherings where people come together to play multiple rounds of the game. The term "drive" in this context refers to a gathering or event, often held for fundraising or charity purposes.