happy family
/ˌhapi ˈfam(ɪ)li/ /ˌhapi ˈfam(ə)li/noun
1A family living together harmoniously (frequently as a conventional description). Also figurative : a group characterized by high morale, team spirit, etc.
2A collection of diverse animals (or fish) living together in harmony in one cage (or tank, etc.), especially one exhibited as a curiosity.
3In plural A children's card game played with a pack of special cards, each card depicting on its face a member of a ‘family’ of four.
- The families are traditionally named after trades, as Mr Bun the Baker, Mrs Bun the Baker's Wife, Master Bun the Baker's Son, and Miss Bun the Baker's Daughter. The winner of the game is the player who completes the most families by exchanging cards with other players..
4 Australian. Either of two songbirds that typically occur in small groups: the apostlebird or grey jumper, Struthidea cinerea (family Corcoracidae), and the grey-crowned babbler, Pomatostomus temporalis (family Pomatostomidae). In later use also: any Australasian babbler of the family Pomatostomidae.
Phrases
one (also a) (great) big happy family
to play happy families
Origin
Mid 16th century. From happy + family.