bottler: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal (esp. British); Professional (manufacturing context)
Quick answer
What does “bottler” mean?
A person or company that puts drinks into bottles, or a person who excels at something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person or company that puts drinks into bottles, or a person who excels at something.
Primarily British informal: someone who fails to act when necessary due to a loss of nerve; someone who 'bottles it'. Also, a machine for bottling liquids.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The slang meaning ('a coward' or 'one who fails to perform') is almost exclusively British. The literal manufacturing meaning is understood in both varieties, but the term is not common in general American English.
Connotations
In UK slang, 'bottler' is strongly negative and derogatory. In a manufacturing context, it is neutral. In Australia, 'bottler' can be positive slang for something excellent.
Frequency
Very low frequency in American English. Moderate frequency in British English, primarily in informal spoken contexts for the slang meaning.
Grammar
How to Use “bottler” in a Sentence
[Adj] bottler of [liquid]be a (real/complete) bottlerVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bottler” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He completely bottled the penalty shootout.
- I can't believe you bottled it and didn't tell him.
American English
- The company bottles spring water from the local source.
- They bottle over a million units a day.
adjective
American English
- The bottling plant operates 24/7.
- We need a new bottling machine.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a company specializing in bottling beverages (e.g., 'Coca-Cola bottlers').
Academic
Virtually unused.
Everyday
UK: Used informally to criticize someone for lacking courage (e.g., 'He didn't ask her out? What a bottler!').
Technical
A machine or automated line for filling and sealing bottles.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bottler”
- Using the UK slang meaning in formal or American contexts.
- Assuming it only refers to a person in manufacturing (it can be a machine).
- Confusing with 'butler' in speech.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It has low general frequency. It is specialised in industry and is informal slang in British English.
In standard British English, no—the slang is negative. However, in Australian slang, 'bottler' can mean something or someone excellent.
A 'butler' is the chief servant in a household. A 'bottler' puts liquids in bottles or (UK slang) fails through cowardice. They are completely different words.
Use it to refer to a company that packages beverages: 'PepsiCo has a network of franchised bottlers worldwide.'
A person or company that puts drinks into bottles, or a person who excels at something.
Bottler is usually informal (esp. british); professional (manufacturing context) in register.
Bottler: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɒt.lər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɑː.t̬lɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to bottle it”
- “to lose one's bottle”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a brave person holding a soda bottle, but at the last second, they put the cap BACK ON and run away – they 'bottled' their courage, becoming a BOTTLER.
Conceptual Metaphor
COURAGE/PERFORMANCE IS A CONTAINED LIQUID (to 'bottle it' is to keep the liquid/courage contained instead of using it).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'bottler' MOST likely to be used in American English?