tuck-shop
Definition
Noun: A "tuck-shop" is a small shop, often located in a school, hospital, or other institution, that sells sweets, snacks, and drinks to customers, especially children.
Usage Examples
- (A small shop in a school selling treats.)
- (A small retail outlet within an institution.)
Advanced Usage
"to raid the tuck-shop": to go to the tuck-shop in a hurry, often to buy as many items as possible before it closes.
- After the final bell, the students raided the tuck-shop for crisps and soda. (They quickly purchased many snacks.)
"tuck-shop lady": the person who runs or works at the tuck-shop.
- The tuck-shop lady was known for her friendly smile and generous portions. (The shopkeeper of the tuck-shop.)
Variants and Related Words
Tuck (n): food, especially sweets or snacks, often brought from home or bought at a tuck-shop.
- She brought a bag of tuck for the school trip. (Snacks or treats.)
Tuck-shop (adj): relating to or characteristic of a tuck-shop.
- The tuck-shop smell of candy and popcorn filled the hallway. (The typical aroma of a tuck-shop.)
Synonyms
- Candy store: a shop that primarily sells sweets (more common in American English).
- Convenience store: a small retail store that sells a limited range of everyday items, including snacks.
- Canteen: a cafeteria or snack bar, often within a school or workplace, but usually offering more substantial meals.
Related Idioms
"to have a sweet tooth": to have a strong liking for sweet foods.
- He has a sweet tooth, so he often visits the tuck-shop. (He enjoys sweets and buys them frequently.)
"to be in the tuck-shop": to be in a place where one can easily buy treats (less common, but used metaphorically).
- With all these cakes around, I feel like I'm in the tuck-shop. (Surrounded by tempting sweets.)