- A colloquial euphemism meaning to successfully find someone willing to have casual sex, often implying an element of chance or good fortune, especially in a social setting like a night out.
Explanation
Origin
- Leverages the general meaning of get lucky (to experience good fortune).
- When applied to sex, it frames the encounter as a fortunate outcome, perhaps suggesting it wasn't guaranteed or required some luck (e.g., finding a receptive partner).
- Popular since at least the mid-20th century. Often associated with a male perspective historically, but used by/about anyone.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Score
- Get some
- Hit a home run (Baseball metaphor for sexual success)
- Pull (UK/Aus)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Get your end away (UK vulgar)
- Get your rocks off (Vulgar often implies satisfaction, can imply finding a partner)
Milder/More Neutral:
- Find someone
- Meet someone special (if implying more than just sex)
- Have a successful night
Situational Appropriateness
- Highly informal and colloquial. Primarily used among friends, often discussing dating, nightlife, or casual encounters.
- Can sound crude, objectifying, or boastful depending on tone and context. Inappropriate in formal, professional, or polite company.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- While the sexual connotation is strong in social contexts, get lucky has many non-sexual meanings (winning a prize, finding something). Ensure the context (dating, nightlife) makes the intended meaning clear.
Examples
- He went to the party hoping to get lucky.
- (Asked between friends) So, did you get lucky last night?
- She wasn't expecting it, but she got lucky with that guy she met at the bar.
Dialogue
Tom: How was the club last night, Dave?
Dave: Pretty packed, decent music.
Tom: (Lowering voice) Yeah? Anyone catch your eye? Did you get lucky?
Dave: (Smiling slightly) Maybe... I didn't come home alone.
Tom: Alright! Nice one.
Social Media Examples
- Banter in Instagram comments on a night out photo: Friend 1: Lookin' sharp! Friend 2: Hope you got lucky! 😉
- Forum Post (dating advice): Best way to actually get lucky using dating apps?
- Humorous Tweet: My plan was to go out and get lucky. Ended up home by 10pm watching documentaries. Close enough. #singlelife
Response Patterns
- Confirmation (often playful or proud): Yeah, I did! / 😉 / Let's just say it was a good night.
- Denial (often with disappointment or nonchalance): Nah, struck out. / No such luck.
- Evasion/Deflection: Haha, wouldn't you like to know! / A gentleman never tells.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
If confirmed:
- Might lead to follow-up questions (if appropriate): Nice! With who? / Was it fun?
If denied:
- Often prompts commiseration or encouragement: Ah, tough luck. / Better luck next time!
Conversation Starter
- No. Typically a follow-up question after someone mentions being in a social situation where casual sex might occur (party, bar, dating app use, etc.).
Intonation
- Often asked or stated with a hopeful, suggestive, conspiratorial, or slightly boastful tone. Emphasis on lucky. Did you get LUCKY?
Generation Differences
- Widely understood. Might feel slightly dated or associated with lad culture / locker room talk to some younger people (Gen Z), but remains in common use, especially among men.
Regional Variations
- Common in North America. Similar concepts exist elsewhere with different slang (e.g., pull in UK/Aus).