Trick Or Treat
In short
A Halloween custom where people, mostly children, go from house to house asking for sweets or money. It takes place on the night of 31 October.
In plain words
People wear costumes and knock on doors. They say 'trick or treat' to ask for candy. If the resident gives a treat, they avoid a small prank or mischief.
A simple example
A child dressed as a ghost knocks on a neighbour's door and asks for sweets. The neighbour gives them a handful of chocolate bars.
Why it matters
It is a major social tradition that brings communities together during the autumn season. It also drives a huge amount of sales for the confectionery industry.
Easy to mix up
Do not confuse this with 'guising', which is a similar tradition used in parts of Scotland and Ireland.