caler
/ka.le/Canada
The English phrase 'chug' can be translated into French as caler or boire cul sec.
Meaning: to drink a large amount in a single action (verb)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| caler | /ka.le/ | Canada |
| boire cul sec |
To chug means to drink a large amount in a single action. You can use several informal expressions to describe this, such as descendre d'un trait or boire d'un seul coup.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase boire cul sec literally means 'to drink the bottom dry'.
Which one should you use?
While they both refer to chugging, boire cul sec specifically implies finishing the entire contents of a glass in one go without stopping.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The expression boire cul sec is an informal, colloquial term used primarily in social drinking contexts. The phrases descendre d'un trait and boire d'un seul coup are also used informally.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Caler is a regional term used in Canada to mean chug.
Related words
How do you pronounce it?
caler is pronounced /ka.le/. It has 2 syllables.
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Il a décidé de boire cul sec pour montrer sa bravoure.He decided to chug his drink to show his bravery.
- On a décidé de descendre notre bière d'un trait pour célébrer.We decided to chug our beer to celebrate.
- Je peux boire cette tasse de café d'un seul coup.I can chug this cup of coffee in one gulp.
Example conversation
Hugo and Chloé are at a party with drinks.
- HugoJe parie que je peux caler mon verre plus vite.I bet I can chug my drink faster.
- ChloéC'est impossible, Hugo!That's impossible, Hugo!
- HugoRegarde, je vais le caler maintenant!Look, I'm going to chug it now!
- ChloéWow, tu l'as vraiment fait!Wow, you actually did it!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chug” translations and entries caler, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries boire, caler, cul, sec, CC BY-SA 4.0.
