hip flask: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal
Quick answer
What does “hip flask” mean?
A small, usually curved, container designed to hold a spirit such as whisky or brandy, intended for carrying discreetly in a hip pocket.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, usually curved, container designed to hold a spirit such as whisky or brandy, intended for carrying discreetly in a hip pocket.
A portable flask for alcoholic drinks, often made of metal, plastic, or glass, and lined with a non-reactive material. Associated with discreet drinking, outdoor activities, and certain subcultures.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is used identically in both varieties. The concept is equally known, though cultural associations may vary slightly (e.g., more strongly associated with British 'hunting/shooting/fishing' culture).
Connotations
UK: Often associated with outdoor pursuits (hiking, rugby matches, shooting parties), historical gentlemen's culture, and discreet public drinking. US: Similar associations, though may also evoke images of Prohibition-era bootleggers or contemporary festival-goers.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in UK English due to its cultural embeddedness in certain traditional activities.
Grammar
How to Use “hip flask” in a Sentence
[Subject] + carry/fill/take a sip from + a hip flask + [of liquid]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hip flask” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He decided to hip-flask his whisky for the long hike.
- They were hip-flasking their way through the rugby tournament.
American English
- She hip-flasked some bourbon for the tailgate party.
- He's known for hip-flasking at outdoor concerts.
adverb
British English
- He drank hip-flaskly from his coat pocket.
- The spirit was consumed hip-flask style.
American English
- She poured hip-flask-quickly into her soda.
- They were drinking hip-flask-fashion during the game.
adjective
British English
- He had a hip-flask-sized amount of brandy left.
- It was a very hip-flask-friendly event.
American English
- The gift was a hip-flask-shaped leather case.
- It's a hip-flask kind of crowd.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Might appear in retail contexts selling gifts or outdoor gear.
Academic
Rare. Could appear in historical, sociological, or cultural studies discussing alcohol consumption.
Everyday
Common in informal contexts discussing gifts, hobbies, or social events.
Technical
Used in manufacturing/retail descriptions of the product (material, capacity).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hip flask”
- Spelling as 'hipflask' (should be two words or hyphenated: hip-flask). Using for non-alcoholic drinks (possible but not primary association).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is most commonly written as two separate words ('hip flask'), though the hyphenated form 'hip-flask' is also acceptable.
It is designed to hold and allow for the discreet, portable consumption of distilled spirits like whisky, rum, or brandy, often during outdoor activities or events.
The legality depends entirely on local laws regarding public alcohol consumption and open container laws. Possessing one is not illegal, but using it in public spaces where alcohol is prohibited is.
A 'hip flask' specifically refers to a small, pocket-sized flask, often curved to fit the contour of the body (hip or thigh). 'Flask' is a more general term that can also refer to larger, non-pocket-sized containers for liquids.
A small, usually curved, container designed to hold a spirit such as whisky or brandy, intended for carrying discreetly in a hip pocket.
Hip flask is usually informal in register.
Hip flask: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɪp flɑːsk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɪp flæsk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Pocket-sized party (informal, based on the concept)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: You keep it on your HIP to take a SIP.
Conceptual Metaphor
DISCRETION IS A CONCEALED CONTAINER; LIQUID COURAGE IS PORTABLE.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST description of a typical hip flask?