liver salts: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, dated
Quick answer
What does “liver salts” mean?
A medicinal preparation, typically a fizzy powder or tablet containing salts like sodium sulphate, used to relieve indigestion, heartburn, or a hangover.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A medicinal preparation, typically a fizzy powder or tablet containing salts like sodium sulphate, used to relieve indigestion, heartburn, or a hangover.
A dated term for an over-the-counter remedy for digestive discomfort or biliousness; can colloquially refer to any hangover remedy or general-purpose digestive aid.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Predominantly a British/Commonwealth term. The product and term are largely obsolete or unknown in the US.
Connotations
In the UK, it has old-fashioned, slightly humorous connotations, often linked to mid-20th century advertising. In the US, it would be unrecognised; 'antacid' or 'Alka-Seltzer' would be used.
Frequency
Extremely rare in modern American English. In British English, it is still understood but considered old-fashioned; modern equivalents like 'indigestion salts' or brand names are more common.
Grammar
How to Use “liver salts” in a Sentence
take (a dose of) liver saltsdissolve liver salts in wateruse liver salts for (indigestion/hangover)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Everyday
Grandad swore by a glass of liver salts after a big Sunday roast.
Technical
Historically, proprietary formulations of effervescent sodium sulphate and potassium tartrate were marketed as hepatic stimulants.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “liver salts”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “liver salts”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “liver salts”
- Using it to refer to dietary salt intake for the liver.
- Thinking it's a modern medical treatment for liver disease.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, not in a medical sense. They are a historic digestive aid, not a treatment for liver disease.
Yes, products like Andrews Liver Salts are still sold in some countries, mainly as an effervescent antacid.
It is now considered old-fashioned. Younger generations are more likely to say 'indigestion tablets' or use a brand name.
There is no direct equivalent term. Americans would use 'antacid', 'Alka-Seltzer', or 'baking soda' for similar purposes.
A medicinal preparation, typically a fizzy powder or tablet containing salts like sodium sulphate, used to relieve indigestion, heartburn, or a hangover.
Liver salts is usually informal, dated in register.
Liver salts: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɪvə sɔːlts/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɪvɚ sɑːlts/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
The LIVER feels SALTy (upset) after too much food or drink, so you take salts to soothe it.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A MACHINE (the liver is a filter that gets clogged; salts are a cleansing agent).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary context for using 'liver salts'?