Definition of drop in

The term "drop in" originated in the mid-20th century as a slang expression which gained popularity in North America. The phrase refers to the spontaneous unannounced visit of one person to another's residence, place of work, or other location. The literal meaning of "drop in" suggests a physical action whereby the visitor physically "drops in" on the host, unannounced. The phrase has its roots in the earlier expression "drop round," which originated in British English in the late 19th century. "Drop round" acquired a similar meaning, although in British English, the expression is more commonly used to describe a planned visit rather than an unplanned visit akin to "drop in." The term "drop in" gained widespread use in North American English during the post-World War II era as social norms shifted towards a more casual and informal lifestyle. The term's usage expanded beyond its initial context of spontaneous visits to encompass unexpected and unwelcome intrusions, as well as more polite requests for unexpected visits with mutual consent between parties involved. "Drop in" has since become a colloquial expression commonly used in English-speaking countries, although its meaning and usage can differ based on regional dialects and social contexts. In formal settings or business contexts, it is preferred to use the expression "stop by" over "drop in," as the latter may suggest an unplanned and less formal interaction.