champers: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Informal, humorous, chiefly British
Quick answer
What does “champers” mean?
A colloquial term for champagne.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A colloquial term for champagne.
Used to refer to champagne in a playful, familiar, or celebratory manner; often associated with luxury, celebration, and a slightly self-conscious or ironic display of indulgence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is overwhelmingly British. It is understood in American English but rarely used spontaneously; it may be perceived as a quaint or affected Britishism.
Connotations
In British English: convivial, jocular, sometimes ironic or knowingly extravagant. In American English: exotic, pretentious, or an obvious borrowing from British slang.
Frequency
Common in British informal speech, especially in media and marketing targeting a middle-class audience. Very rare in American English.
Grammar
How to Use “champers” in a Sentence
[uncountable noun]: Let's have some champers.[object of preposition]: They celebrated with champers.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “champers” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We're planning to champers the night away.
- They champersed their victory late into the evening.
American English
- Not used as a verb in AmE.
adjective
British English
- A champers breakfast (a breakfast featuring champagne).
- He's in a champers mood.
American English
- Not used as an adjective in AmE.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare, except in informal post-deal celebrations ('The deal's done – champers on me!').
Academic
Virtually never used.
Everyday
Used in social contexts, parties, celebrations, and informal toasts among friends.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “champers”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “champers”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “champers”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Assuming it is standard in American English.
- Treating it as a countable noun (*two champers). It is uncountable.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is informal slang, primarily British. It is not used in formal contexts.
You can, but it will likely mark you as using a British colloquialism. Most Americans would simply say 'champagne' or 'bubbly'.
No, it is an uncountable noun like the word it derives from ('champagne'). You have 'a glass of champers' or 'some champers', not *'a champers'.
They are all informal synonyms. 'Champers' is specifically for champagne and is very British. 'Bubbly' is common in both BrE and AmE. 'Fizz' is more general and can refer to any sparkling drink, including cheaper sparkling wines.
A colloquial term for champagne.
Champers is usually informal, humorous, chiefly british in register.
Champers: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃæmpəz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃæmpərz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Champers all round!”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'champagne' for champions. 'Champers' is what champions drink after winning – a shorter, punchier word for a celebratory drink.
Conceptual Metaphor
CELEBRATION/SUCCESS IS A BUBBLY BEVERAGE (Luxury and joy are physically ingested).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'champers' MOST appropriate?