chupito
/t͡ʃuˈpito/
In Spanish, a shot of liquor is called chupito.
The term chupito refers to a small, usually strong, alcoholic drink served in a small glass to be consumed quickly.
What does it mean word for word?
The word chupito is a diminutive of chupar (to suck or sip), so it literally means little sip.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, chupito is the standard term for a shot. In Mexico, a shot of liquor is often called a caballito (little horse) rather than a chupito, especially when referring to tequila.
How does it change in a sentence?
To specify the type of liquor being served, use the structure un chupito de [liquor name], such as un chupito de tequila. The plural form is chupitos.
How do you pronounce it?
/tʃuˈpito/
Did you know?
- The linguistic root of chupito reaches back to the Proto-Indo-European root *-tós, linking this modern Spanish bar term to ancient linguistic structures.
- In Mexico, the word caballito refers to the glass itself as well as the drink, stemming from the traditional shape of the vessel which resembled a small horse.
- The Mexican term caballito refers to both the liquid inside and the physical glass itself.
Examples in context
- Vamos a tomar chupitos de licor para celebrar nuestro éxito.Let's have shots of liquor to celebrate our success.
- ¿Quién quiere un trago de licor bien fuerte?Who wants a strong shot of liquor?
- Vamos a tomar un caballito de tequilaLet's have a shot of tequila
- Pídeme un chupito de tequila, por favor.Order me a shot of tequila, please.
- El camarero nos trajo un chupito para cada uno.The waiter brought us a shot for each of us.
- ¿Quieres un chupito de ron antes de la cena?Do you want a shot of rum before dinner?
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are at a bar.
- Elena¡Mira! El camarero nos regaló un chupito.Look! The waiter gave us a shot.
- Daniel¡Qué bien! ¡Salud, Elena!That's great! Cheers, Elena!
- ElenaSalud, Daniel. ¡Bebe rápido!Cheers, Daniel. Drink it quickly!
- DanielYa lo tengo. Está muy fuerte.Done. It's very strong.
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.
