gin and tonic: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1informal to neutral
Quick answer
What does “gin and tonic” mean?
A mixed drink consisting of gin served with tonic water over ice, typically garnished with a slice of lime or lemon.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A mixed drink consisting of gin served with tonic water over ice, typically garnished with a slice of lime or lemon.
A classic cocktail that is a staple in bars worldwide; often used as a symbol of casual sophistication or refreshment.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'gin and tonic' is often referred to by its abbreviation 'G&T'. The brand of tonic (e.g., Schweppes, Fever-Tree) is sometimes specified. In the US, it's more commonly called by its full name. The garnish may differ (UK often lime, US may use lemon).
Connotations
Both: refreshing, classic, casual/social drink. UK: Strongly associated with pub culture, summer gardens, and colonial history. US: Often viewed as a pre-dinner or brunch drink.
Frequency
More frequent in UK English, where gin has seen a major resurgence. Common in both, but culturally more ingrained in UK social contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “gin and tonic” in a Sentence
She ordered [a gin and tonic].They were drinking [gin and tonics] on the terrace.He prefers [his gin and tonic] with lots of lime.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gin and tonic” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We should gin and tonic before the theatre.
- They ginned and tonicked their way through the summer.
American English
- Let's gin and tonic on the patio.
- He's been gin-and-tonicking all afternoon.
adverb
British English
- The conversation flowed gin-and-tonically.
- He lived his life rather gin-and-tonically.
American English
- She smiled gin-and-tonically.
- The day ended gin-and-tonically.
adjective
British English
- It was a gin-and-tonic evening.
- She had a gin-and-tonic vibe about her.
American English
- He's in a gin-and-tonic mood.
- The party had a gin-and-tonic atmosphere.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in social/networking contexts ('Let's discuss over a G&T').
Academic
Very rare, except in historical/cultural studies of British colonialism or food/drink studies.
Everyday
Very common in social, restaurant, bar, and home entertaining contexts.
Technical
Used in bartending/mixology contexts regarding recipes, proportions, and garnishes.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gin and tonic”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gin and tonic”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gin and tonic”
- Incorrect: 'gin-tonic' (hyphenated form is less common). Incorrect: 'a tonic with gin' (reverses the standard order). Incorrect plural: 'gins and tonics' (plural is 'gin and tonics').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Usually not when referring to the drink ('a gin and tonic'). Hyphens can be used when the phrase functions as a modifier ('a gin-and-tonic evening').
'Gin and tonics' (e.g., 'We ordered three gin and tonics'). 'Gins and tonic' or 'gins and tonics' are incorrect.
Yes, especially in British English, to 'G&T' (pronounced 'gee and tee').
The vowel in 'tonic': UK uses /ɒ/ (as in 'lot'), US uses /ɑː/ (as in 'father').
A mixed drink consisting of gin served with tonic water over ice, typically garnished with a slice of lime or lemon.
Gin and tonic is usually informal to neutral in register.
Gin and tonic: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdʒɪn ən ˈtɒnɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdʒɪn ən ˈtɑːnɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As British as a gin and tonic”
- “A gin and tonic kind of day (meaning a warm, relaxing day)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
GIN And TONIC: Gin Is Nice And Tonic Is Cool.
Conceptual Metaphor
REFRESHMENT IS A GIN AND TONIC (e.g., 'That news was a real gin and tonic for my spirits').
Practice
Quiz
What is a common garnish for a gin and tonic in the UK?