Definition

Noun: The act of drinking a liquid, especially an alcoholic one, in large gulps or mouthfuls, quickly and often greedily.

Usage

This word specifically describes the manner of drinking. It emphasizes both the large quantity taken in per mouthful and the rapid, often unrefined speed of consumption. It is most commonly used in contexts involving alcohol but can apply to any beverage.

Examples

• The bar was filled with the sound of loud talk and the swilling of beer.
• After the long hike, their swilling of water from the canteen was understandable but still concerning.
• The documentary criticized the culture of excessive swilling at college parties.

Advanced Usage

• "Swilling down": This phrasal verb form emphasizes the action of drinking something quickly and in large amounts.
  • He was swilling down his coffee before rushing out the door.

Variants and Related Words

• Swill (verb): To drink greedily or in large quantities.
  • He would swill his drink and call for another.
• Swill (noun): Often refers to waste food mixed with liquid for feeding pigs; figuratively, it can mean cheap or unpleasant drink.
  • The tavern served cheap swill.

Synonyms

• Gulping
• Guzzling
• Quaffing

Antonyms

• Sipping
• Nipping

Related Phrases

• To swill something back: Similar to "swill down," meaning to drink something, especially alcohol, quickly.
  • He swilled back the whiskey in one go.

Noun

1. the drinking of large mouthfuls rapidly