milk shake: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
HighInformal, Casual
Quick answer
What does “milk shake” mean?
A cold, frothy drink made by blending milk with flavorings such as ice cream, fruit syrup, or flavored powder.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A cold, frothy drink made by blending milk with flavorings such as ice cream, fruit syrup, or flavored powder.
The term can also refer to a simple drink of shaken or whisked milk and syrup without ice cream, or metaphorically to describe a shaking movement resembling the drink's preparation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British usage, a 'milkshake' can simply be milk whisked with a flavoring syrup (like Crusha) and may not automatically contain ice cream. In American usage, a 'milkshake' almost always implies the inclusion of ice cream. The thicker, ice-cream-based drink is sometimes called a 'frappe' or 'frosted' in specific US regions, while in the UK it's often called a 'thick shake'.
Connotations
Strongly associated with American 1950s diner culture. Connotes nostalgia, indulgence, and informal socializing.
Frequency
Very high frequency in both varieties, but the specific referent (with/without ice cream) differs.
Grammar
How to Use “milk shake” in a Sentence
have a (flavour) milkshakeorder a milkshakemake a milkshake with (ingredient)blend/shake a milkshakeVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “milk shake” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The bartender will shake the milkshake by hand.
- (Non-standard: 'He tried to milkshake the ingredients together.')
American English
- You need to blend the milkshake thoroughly.
- (Non-standard: 'She loves to milkshake her own drinks.')
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial use)
- (No standard adverbial use)
American English
- (No standard adverbial use)
- (No standard adverbial use)
adjective
British English
- The milkshake machine is broken.
- A milkshake flavour powder.
American English
- The milkshake consistency was perfect.
- A milkshake stand at the fair.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; used in marketing for food/beverage companies or menu descriptions.
Academic
Very rare, except in cultural or historical studies of food.
Everyday
Very common in casual conversations about food, at cafes, diners, or fast-food outlets.
Technical
Used in food science or culinary arts concerning emulsion, viscosity, and recipe formulation.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “milk shake”
- Misspelling as two separate words 'milk shake' (acceptable but less common) or 'milkshack'.
- Using it as a verb ('to milkshake') is non-standard, though 'shake' can be used.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Modern dictionaries list it primarily as one word ('milkshake'), though the hyphenated form ('milk-shake') is seen as an older variant. The two-word form is understandable but less common.
A milkshake is typically based on milk and ice cream (or just milk in UK), with sweet flavourings. A smoothie is usually based on blended fruit, often with yoghurt, juice, or plant milk, and is marketed as a healthier option.
No, it is not a standard verb. The verb is 'to shake' or 'to blend'. Using 'to milkshake' is non-standard and informal.
It's a metaphorical use, comparing personal allure or a desirable quality to the irresistible appeal of a delicious milkshake. The idiom has entered popular culture from this song.
A cold, frothy drink made by blending milk with flavorings such as ice cream, fruit syrup, or flavored powder.
Milk shake is usually informal, casual in register.
Milk shake: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɪlk ˌʃeɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɪlk ˌʃeɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It brings all the boys to the yard (from Kelis's song 'Milkshake')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of MILK being SHAKEN up with flavor to make a MILKSHAKE.
Conceptual Metaphor
A THICK, BLENDED SUBSTANCE IS A MILKSHAKE (e.g., 'The paint was mixed to a milkshake consistency').
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English does the word 'milkshake' most strongly imply the inclusion of ice cream?