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Fat Tuesday - Definition of Fat Tuesday

By , About.com Guide

Definition: Fat Tuesday is the traditional name for the day before Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. It is more commonly known as Mardi Gras, which is simply Fat Tuesday in French. It gets its name from the custom, in many Catholic countries, of marking the day with feasting before the fasting season of Lent begins.

Planning a Fat Tuesday party? Check out this great list of Fat Tuesday recipes!

Pronunciation: fat ˈt(y)oōzˌdā
Also Known As: Mardi Gras, Shrove Tuesday, Pancake Day, Paczki Day
Common Misspellings: Phat Tuesday
Examples:
"On the day before Ash Wednesday, we throw a Fat Tuesday party."

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