chupitos
/t͡ʃupitos/from spelling rules
In Spanish, 'shots of alcohol' is translated as chupitos.
The term refers to small servings of spirits or liquor intended 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 'a little sip'.
Which one should you use?
While chupitos is common, you may also encounter the English word shots used directly in a colloquial or Spanglish context, particularly among younger generations or in urban areas.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Chupitos is an informal, colloquial term.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the term caballitos is used specifically for the small glasses designed for tequila shots. In Spain, chupitos is a very common colloquial way to refer to these shots.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the word is chupito, and the plural is chupitos.
How do you pronounce it?
/tʃupitos/
Did you know?
- In Mexico, the glass used for tequila is called a caballito because its shape traditionally resembled a small horse or a rider's saddle.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, it is common to ' brindar' or toast by clinking glasses and ensuring eye contact, or the shot may be seen as bad luck.
- In Spain, a chupito is often served as a 'digestivo' after a large meal to aid digestion, rather than just as a party drink.
Examples in context
- ¡Vamos a tomarnos unos chupitos para celebrar!Let's have some shots to celebrate!
- Pasemos por el bar y pidamos unos caballitos de tequila.Let's go to the bar and order some tequila shots.
- Pidamos unos chupitos para celebrar.Let's order some shots to celebrate.
- No me gustan los chupitos de tequila.I don't like tequila shots.
- El camarero trajo los chupitos rápido.The waiter brought the shots quickly.
Example conversation
Alejandro and Sofía are at a bar celebrating a birthday.
- Alejandro¡Feliz cumpleaños, Sofía! Vamos a pedir unos chupitos.Happy birthday, Sofía! Let's order some shots.
- Sofía¡Gracias, Alejandro! Me parece una idea genial.Thanks, Alejandro! I think that's a great idea.
- Alejandro¿De qué sabor prefieres los chupitos?What flavor of shots do you prefer?
- SofíaPrefiero los de limón, por favor.I prefer the lemon ones, please.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
