Bash

FETE

Think of a lively outdoor gathering with food and music, often held to celebrate a special occasion. It’s not a quiet affair—this word sounds like it might involve a party.

Bash" here isn’t about hitting something—it’s a playful nod to a lively party or celebration. In crosswords, "bash" often clues "fete," a French-derived word meaning a festive gathering or feast. The trick is recognizing that "bash" is being used in its slang sense rather than its literal one, which is common in cryptic or wordplay-heavy clues. Think of it like calling a big party a "bash," and you’ve got your answer.