Definition & Meaning of "party animal"in English

What is the origin of the idiom "party animal" and when to use it?

The slang term party animal describes someone who loves to attend parties and social events frequently, often with high energy, enthusiasm, and a tendency to stay out late. It suggests a person who thrives in lively social settings and is usually the "life of the party." The phrase is believed to have originated in the United States in the late 1970s, with one of its earliest known uses appearing on Saturday Night Live in 1978 when Bill Murray jokingly referred to himself as a "party animal." The word "animal" emphasizes wild, uninhibited behavior, while "party" sets the scene for constant socializing. By the 1980s, the term had become common in pop culture, reinforced by movies, music, and media celebrating carefree, hard-partying lifestyles.