The Stiff Card

/ðə stɪf kɑːrd/ noun phrase

Definition: A social snub characterized by the absence of an invitation to an event or gathering one expected to attend. You weren’t invited, sorry!

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Etymology

Derived from the high-quality, heavy cardstock (“stiff card”) traditionally used for formal, engraved social invitations. In this context, the term is used ironically to refer to the invitation that was never received.A reference to the physical “rigor” of traditional social logistics.

Usage

Context: Common in “Sloane Ranger” or “Preppy” subcultures to describe being excluded from the guest list of a high-status party or wedding.

In a sentence: I checked the mail every day for the gala invite, but in the end, I just got the stiff card.