Definition

1. Noun:

   • A large and hurried swallow of a drink, especially an alcoholic one: "swig" refers to the act of drinking something, typically from a bottle or container, by taking a big, quick gulp.

2. Verb:

   • To drink something, especially alcohol, in large gulps or hurriedly: The verb form describes the action of consuming a drink quickly and often greedily, usually by tilting the bottle or container.
   • (Informal) To hit or strike heavily: In very informal contexts, "swig" can also mean to deliver a powerful blow, often with the fist.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • He took a long swig from his water bottle after the run.
  • She offered me a swig of her soda.

• Verb (to drink):

  • He swigged the beer straight from the bottle.
  • The thirsty hiker swigged the last of his water.

• Verb (to hit - very informal):

  • The boxer swigged his opponent with a right hook. (Note: This usage is rare and considered slang.)

Advanced Usage

• "to take a swig": This is the most common collocation for the noun form, meaning to drink a mouthful of something.

  • He paused to take a swig of coffee before continuing his story.

• "to swig down": A phrasal verb emphasizing the action of drinking something quickly and completely.

  • She swigged down the medicine despite its bitter taste.

Variants and Related Words

• Gulp (noun/verb): A similar word for swallowing a large amount of a drink quickly. It is more common and less informal than "swig."
• Slug (noun/verb): Can mean a heavy blow (like the informal meaning of "swig") or a single shot of liquor. As a verb, "to slug" someone means to hit them hard.

Synonyms

• Gulp: To swallow hurriedly.
• Quaff: To drink heartily (more literary).
• Draught (or Draft): A single act of drinking or inhaling.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Swig back: Similar to "swig down," meaning to drink something quickly.
  • He swigged back the last of his drink and stood up to leave.

Related Idioms

• "To knock back a swig": An informal idiom meaning to drink an alcoholic beverage quickly.
  • He knocked back a swig of whiskey for courage.

Noun

1. a large and hurried swallow
   • he finished it at a single gulp

Verb

1. to swallow hurriedly or greedily or in one draught
   • The men gulped down their beers
2. strike heavily, especially with the fist or a bat
   • He slugged me so hard that I passed out