Swig Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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swig

[swɪɡ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

drinking

A large or deep swallow of liquid.

Synonyms

drink, gulp, sip.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
swig

Swig is often used when taking a large, enthusiastic drink of something (usually alcohol) in an informal or casual situation. It can sometimes imply reckless drinking.

  • He took a swig of whiskey from the bottle.
  • She swigged her drink and started to laugh loudly.
gulp

Gulp is used when someone swallows a large amount of liquid quickly and often loudly due to thirst or hurry. It implies urgency or greediness.

  • He gulped down the water after his run.
  • She gulped her tea and rushed out the door.
drink

Drink is a general word for consuming liquids. It can be used in any formal or informal situation without any implied size or manner.

  • She likes to drink water every morning.
  • He drank the juice quickly.
sip

Sip is used when someone takes small, careful tastes of a liquid. It's often associated with drinking something hot like tea or coffee, or savoring something tasty.

  • She sipped her coffee slowly.
  • He took a tiny sip of the soup to see if it needed more salt.

Examples of usage

  • He took a swig of beer from the bottle.
  • She passed the flask around for everyone to take a swig.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

A swindle or fraud.

Synonyms

cheat, fraud, scam.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
swig

This word is commonly used to describe taking a large, enthusiastic gulp or drink, usually of a beverage like alcohol or water. It has a casual, sometimes playful connotation.

  • He took a big swig of his beer and put the glass down
  • After hiking in the sun, she took a swig of cold water
scam

This term describes a scheme to deceive people, usually to steal money from them. It is used in informal contexts and has a negative connotation.

  • She almost fell for an online scam where someone tried to get her bank information
  • Beware of investment scams that promise high returns with little risk
fraud

This word refers to wrongful or criminal deception intended to result in financial or personal gain. It is often used in legal and business contexts and carries a heavily negative connotation.

  • The company was involved in an accounting fraud scandal
  • He was arrested for committing wire fraud
cheat

This term is used when someone acts dishonestly or unfairly to gain an advantage. It can be applied in different contexts like games, tests, or relationships and typically carries a negative connotation.

  • He was caught trying to cheat during the exam
  • She felt betrayed when she discovered her partner had cheated on her

Examples of usage

  • He fell victim to a financial swig.
  • The company was involved in a major swig.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • In various movies and songs, characters often take a 'swig' to emphasize their relaxed or celebratory moments.
  • The term is frequently used in contexts related to drinking competitions and social gatherings, making it a staple in party culture.

Health

  • Proper hydration is essential for health, and taking a 'swig' of water is a quick way to replenish fluids.
  • However, it's important to be cautious; 'swigging' sugary or alcoholic beverages can lead to unhealthy habits.

Sports

  • Athletes often 'swig' electrolyte drinks during competitions to maintain their stamina and hydration.
  • The term symbolizes a quick replenishing of energy, reflecting the urgency of performance.

Origin of 'swig'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'swig' comes from the early 19th century and is believed to have roots in the Middle Dutch word 'sweigen', which means 'to swallow'.
  • It evolved from the usage of older terms describing large gulps of liquid, indicating a physical action rather than a gentle sip.

The word 'swig' originated in the late 18th century as a colloquial term for a large drink or gulp of liquid. It is believed to have derived from the Old English word 'swogan' meaning to sway or oscillate, possibly referring to the action of quickly consuming a drink. Over time, the term 'swig' also came to be associated with informal contexts involving fraud or deception.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,912, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.