Stiff drink
/stɪf drɪŋk/
B1
Definition
A stiff drink means a drink that has a lot of alcohol in it. People often say this when they want a strong drink to feel its effect quickly. It is usually used when someone wants to relax or feel brave.
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See It in Action
A strong alcoholic drink with a high amount of alcohol
- •After the long trip, he asked the bartender for a stiff drink.
- •She needed a stiff drink to calm her nerves before the meeting.
- •The doctor warned him not to have a stiff drink because of his health.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "stiff drink" like a "drink" (A1 word), but stronger and more powerful because it has more alcohol
- ✓Picture a small glass with a dark liquid that looks serious and strong, like a strong coffee but with alcohol
- ✓It's the feeling when you need a strong drink after a hard day to calm down or feel better
- ✓Sounds like "stiff" (hard, not soft) + "drink" → imagine a drink that is as "hard" or strong as a stiff wind pushing you
- ✓Imagine a movie scene where a character orders a stiff drink to be brave before facing a big problem
- ✓NOT like a "soft drink" (no alcohol, like soda), a stiff drink is strong and can make you feel tipsy faster
- ✓NOT like a "light drink" (less alcohol), a stiff drink is the opposite—more alcohol and stronger effect
Try Other Words
- •Strong drink: a drink with a lot of alcohol (Use when you want a clear and simple phrase)
- •Hard drink: alcoholic drink with high alcohol content (Use when emphasizing the strength or effect)
- •Shot: a small amount of strong alcohol (Use when referring to a small, quick drink)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "stiff" (meaning hard, strong) + "drink" (liquid to drink)
- •Etymology: "Stiff" comes from Old English meaning rigid or strong; combined with "drink" to describe a strong alcoholic beverage
- •Historical development: The phrase has been used since early 1900s in English-speaking countries to describe strong drinks, often in bars or social contexts
- •Modern usage: Commonly used today in informal speech to mean a strong alcoholic drink, often whiskey, rum, or similar
Reflect & Connect
•Why do you think people ask for a "stiff drink" when they feel stressed or nervous?
•How might the meaning of "stiff drink" change in different cultures or social situations?
Fill in the blanks
1.After a long day, he needed a stiff drink to ___ his tiredness and stress.
2.She asked for a stiff drink because she wanted something with ___ alcohol.
3.A stiff drink is ___ than a soft drink like soda or juice.
4.When someone says they want a stiff drink, they usually mean a drink that will ___ them quickly.
5.The bartender poured a stiff drink ___ than usual to match the customer's request.
6.People often order a stiff drink to feel ___ before a difficult conversation.
7.Unlike a light cocktail, a stiff drink has ___ alcohol and a stronger taste.