also: はんどん
noun
half-holiday; half-day off
Historically referred to a half-day off, often Saturday afternoon, when schools or businesses closed early. Now somewhat dated; 半休 is more common for a half-day leave.
See also: ドンタク
昔は土曜日が半ドンだった。
In the old days, Saturday was a half-holiday.
noun
sixth round (in hanafuda)
Specific to hanafuda games with 12 rounds; the sixth round is called 半ドン.
花札の半ドンは六回目の勝負です。
In hanafuda, the 半ドン is the sixth round.
Modern term for a half-day off from work or school; 半ドン is older and more colloquial.
From Dutch 'zondag' (Sunday/holiday); 半ドン derives from this.
From 半 (half) + ドン, a shortening of ドンタク, borrowed from Dutch 'zondag' (Sunday/holiday). The term originally referred to a half-day holiday.