tippling

A man is tippling a glass of wine at a quiet café table.

Definition

1. Noun:

   • The habit of drinking alcohol regularly and in small amounts: "tippling" refers to the practice of consuming alcoholic beverages frequently, often in modest quantities, typically as a habitual or social activity.

2. Adjective:

   • Given to drinking alcohol habitually: "tippling" describes a person who is inclined to drink alcohol regularly, often to the point of mild intoxication.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • His constant tippling eventually affected his health. (His regular habit of drinking small amounts of alcohol had negative health consequences.)
  • The old man’s tippling was a source of amusement for his friends. (His frequent, light drinking was seen as a harmless quirk.)

• Adjective:

  • She was known as a tippling aunt who always kept a bottle of sherry in her cupboard. (She was a person who habitually drank alcohol in small amounts.)
  • The tippling crowd at the pub enjoyed their evening pints. (The group of people who regularly drank alcohol were enjoying themselves.)

Advanced Usage

• "tippling house" (archaic): a tavern or pub where alcohol is regularly consumed.

  • He spent his evenings at the local tippling house. (He regularly visited a place where alcohol was served.)

• "tippling habit": a pattern of drinking small amounts of alcohol frequently.

  • Her tippling habit began as a way to relax after work. (Her regular, light drinking started as a stress-relief routine.)

Variants and Related Words

• Tipple (verb): to drink alcohol habitually, especially in small amounts.

  • They would tipple in the garden during summer afternoons. (They would drink alcohol regularly in the garden.)

• Tippler (noun): a person who habitually drinks alcohol in small amounts.

  • The old tippler could be found at the bar every evening. (The regular drinker was a familiar sight at the bar.)

Synonyms

• Drinking: the act of consuming alcohol.
• Bibbing (archaic): drinking alcohol excessively.
• Sipping: drinking in small amounts, often used for alcohol.

Phrasal Verbs

• Tipple away: to drink alcohol continuously in small amounts.
  • He tippled away at his glass of wine throughout the dinner. (He drank his wine slowly and steadily over the meal.)

Related Idioms

• On the tipple: engaged in drinking alcohol regularly.

  • He’s been on the tipple since he retired. (He has been drinking alcohol habitually since retirement.)

• A tippler’s toast: a light, humorous reference to drinking.

  • They raised their glasses in a tippler’s toast to good health. (They made a casual, drinking-related toast.)