Swill Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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swill
[swɪl ]
Definitions
food
Wet feed for animals, consisting of kitchen scraps mixed with water or milk.
Examples of usage
- Farmers used to feed their pigs with swill.
- The swill left from dinner was given to the chickens.
- The pigs eagerly ate up the swill.
- The swill attracted rats and other pests.
- Leftover vegetables were often used in the swill.
drink
Drink (something) greedily or in large quantities.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| swill |
This word is typically used in informal or negative contexts to describe drinking a large quantity of liquid greedily or in a disgusting manner. It can sometimes imply a lack of manners.
|
| gulp |
Gulping refers to the action of swallowing large amounts of liquid quickly, often because the person is very thirsty or in a hurry. This word can be used in both neutral and slightly informal contexts.
|
| quaff |
Quaff is a somewhat old-fashioned or literary term used to describe drinking something, especially an alcoholic beverage, with hearty enjoyment or enthusiasm. It often conveys a sense of indulgence or pleasure.
|
| chug |
Chug is often used in informal settings to describe drinking something quickly, especially a large amount of liquid. It is commonly used in the context of drinking contests or casual gatherings.
|
Examples of usage
- He swilled down his beer in one gulp.
- She swilled the water to quench her thirst.
- The workers swilled coffee to stay awake during the night shift.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Culinary Context
- In brewing, 'swill' refers to the leftover liquid after beer production, often fed to animals.
- Certain sloppy drinks, like beer or smoothies, can also be described as swill due to their watery contents.
- Swill bowls were common in 17th century Europe, where guests would pour their drinks into a communal bowl.
Cultural References
- In literature, swilling is often depicted as a sign of excess or debauchery in characters.
- Swill has been referenced in various songs and poems as a metaphor for overindulgence.
- Certain fast-paced festivals highlight swilling, focusing on how people consume drinks quickly.
Social Implications
- Swilling can carry negative connotations, often associated with binge drinking and irresponsible behavior.
- Social events like pub crawls sometimes promote swilling as part of the drinking culture.
- There is a growing movement towards moderation in drinking, where swilling is often frowned upon.
Environmental Considerations
- Using surplus liquids from food production helps address waste, as swill can be repurposed for animal feed.
- In some regions, regulations exist to control the disposal of swill to protect water sources.
- The concept of 'swill feeding' for pigs illustrates the agricultural practice of recycling food waste.
Origin of 'swill'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'swill' comes from the Old English 'swillan', meaning to wash or wash out.
- It originally referred to rinsing or washing and later evolved to mean drinking messily.
- The connection to washing reflects how swilling often involves large amounts of liquid.
The word 'swill' originated in Middle English, derived from the Old English word 'swilian', meaning 'to wash'. Over time, the term evolved to refer to a mixture of food scraps and liquids given to animals, as well as the act of drinking greedily. 'Swill' has been used in the English language for centuries, often associated with feeding livestock or consuming liquids hastily.