chupito
/t͡ʃuˈpito/
The English phrase "shot of alcohol" is translated into Spanish as chupito.
The term refers to a small amount of spirits or liquor served in a small glass to be drunk quickly.
What does it mean word for word?
chupito is a diminutive of the verb chupar, which means "to suck" or "to sip", making the word literally mean "little sucker" or "little sipper".
Is it said differently in some regions?
chupito is the standard way to refer to a shot in Spain.
How do you pronounce it?
/tʃuˈpito/
Did you know?
- In a Mexican bar, if you ask for a caballito, you are not asking for a 'little horse' but for a shot of tequila. The name refers to the unique shape of the small glass, which resembles a horse's head or a saddle.
- In some regions, a chupito of anise is a traditional digestive aid taken after a large meal to help with stomach comfort.
- The suffix -ito in chupito is a linguistic descendant of the Late Latin suffix -ittus. This ancient grammatical tool was used to create smaller, often repeated versions of an action or object.
Examples in context
- Un chupito de tequila, por favor.A shot of tequila, please.
- Pidió un chupito de tequila.He ordered a shot of tequila.
- ¿Quieres un chupito para celebrar?Do you want a shot to celebrate?
- El camarero trajo el chupito.The waiter brought the shot.
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are at a bar celebrating a promotion.
- Elena¡Felicidades por el nuevo trabajo, Daniel!Congratulations on the new job, Daniel!
- DanielGracias, Elena. ¡Vamos a pedir un chupito!Thanks, Elena. Let's order a shot!
- ElenaMe parece una idea excelente.I think that is an excellent idea.
- DanielYo invito a la primera ronda.The first round is on me.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry chupito, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chupito, CC BY-SA 4.0.
