social

Etymology

From Middle French social, from Latin sociālis (“of or belonging to a companion or companionship or association, social”), from socius (“a companion, fellow, partner, associate, ally”), from sequor (“follow”). Cognate with English seg (“man, companion, fellow”). More at seg.

adj

1. Being extroverted or outgoing.
   James is a very social guy; he knows lots of people.
   Not ignoring what is good, I am quick to perceive a horror, and could still be social with it—would they let me—since it is but well to be on friendly terms with all the inmates of the place one lodges in. 1851, Herman Melville, Moby Dick, Chapter 1
2. Of or relating to society.
   Phoenix and Lubbock are both caught in severe drought, and it is going to get much worse. We may see many such [dust] storms in the decades ahead, along with species extinctions, radical disturbance of ecosystems, and intensified social conflict over land and water. Welcome to the Anthropocene, the epoch when humans have become a major geological and climatic force. 2012-01, Donald Worster, “A Drier and Hotter Future”, in American Scientist, volume 100, number 1, archived from the original on 2012-01-26, page 70
   Teresa feels uncomfortable in certain social situations.
   Unemployment is a social problem.
3. (Internet) Relating to social media or social networks.
   social gaming
4. (rare) Relating to a nation's allies.
   the Social War
5. (botany, zoology) Cooperating or growing in groups.
   a social insect

noun

1. A festive gathering to foster introductions.
   They organized a social at the dance club to get people to know each other.
2. (Canadian Prairies) A dance held to raise money, often held for a couple to be married.
3. (Britain, colloquial, with definite article) Ellipsis of social security.
   Fred hated going down to the social to sign on.
4. (US, colloquial) Ellipsis of social security number.
   What's your social?
5. (dated, Ireland) A dinner dance event, usually held annually by a company or sporting club.
6. (Canada) Ellipsis of social studies.
7. (Internet, informal, uncountable) Ellipsis of social media.
   “I saw that shift, and I was like, ‘Oh, that’s the future of social,’” Systrom said. 2023-01-31, Casey Newton, quoting Kevin Systrom, “Instagram’s co-founders are back with Artifact, a kind of TikTok for text”, in The Verge
8. (Internet, informal, countable) A social media account.
   Close your mouth and delete all your socials tonight. 2019-08-29, “Cheeto Christ Stupid Czar”, Randy Rainbow (lyrics), Andrew Lloyd Webber (music)performed by Randy Rainbow