What does tippled mean?
Tippled is the past tense and past participle of the verb tipple, meaning to drink alcoholic liquor. In most contemporary uses, it suggests drinking repeatedly, steadily, or to excess, often with a humorous, affectionate, or mildly disapproving tone. The word can describe a social drinking session, as when a group tipples at a pub, but it is not normally used for merely taking one drink. Its possible implication of overindulgence distinguishes it from more neutral words such as drank. Tippled can also be used in stories, novels, and conversation to suggest an extended or convivial period of drinking. Although the word is informal, it is familiar in British and American English and is suitable for clear descriptive writing when that tone is appropriate.
verbTo drink alcoholic liquor, especially repeatedly or in small amounts. It can also imply drinking steadily or to excess.
- To drink alcoholic liquor, especially repeatedly or in small amounts.
- To drink steadily or to excess.
"After the celebration, they tippled until the pub closed."
"They tippled at the table while telling increasingly improbable stories."
"The old sailors spent the evening tippling and reminiscing about their voyages."
Tippled can sound like a gentle word, but it usually describes a long or substantial bout of drinking rather than a single sip.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tippled come from?
Tippled derives from the older English verb tipple, which means to drink alcoholic liquor. The precise origin of tipple is uncertain, although it is associated with English vocabulary for drinking small amounts. The related noun tipple can mean an alcoholic drink, while tippler denotes a person who drinks regularly or heavily.
How tippled is actually used
Informal and sometimes humorous or mildly disapproving. It commonly suggests repeated, steady, or excessive drinking, rather than ordinary, moderate consumption.
Easily confused with tippled
“Tipped” means to incline, overturn, or give a gratuity, whereas “tippled” means to drink alcoholic liquor, often repeatedly.