Definition of the word sleepover

The term "sleepover" originated in the 1960s in the United States, as a result of the growing trend of parent-child separation, increasing social mobility, and the rise of youth culture. Prior to this era, overnight stays between children were relatively uncommon and your typical slumber party involved all attendees sleeping at home and then coming together the next day. The neologism "sleepover" crystallized in popular parlance after an advertising campaign by the fashion company, Living Doll, aimed specifically at preteen and teenage girls. The campaign introduced "sleepovers" as a specific term for overnight events that could be organized by, and for, this demographic. The term quickly gained traction in American English and has since spread globally. The precise meaning of "sleepover" has evolved over time, as the practice has become more complex. In its original form, it was simply a night spent at a friend's house (or vice versa) for the purpose of socializing and engaging in activities typically forbidden during parental supervision. In contemporary culture, however, sleepovers can sometimes extend beyond consecutive nights, ranging from weekends to full-blown vacations (when termed a "sleepaway") for children residing outside the host family's area. The enduring appeal of "sleepovers" is believed to stem from their perceived freedom, the permissions typically granted by the host family's parents, as well as the intimacy and exclusivity to the experience. It can also be construed as a rite of passage, specifically one associated with the process of adolescence and youthful self discovery.