nip
B2Informal to neutral in most senses. The 'small drink' sense is informal.
Definition
Meaning
To pinch or squeeze sharply, often with fingernails or teeth; a small, quick bite or sip.
A verb for quick, sharp actions (bite, pinch, chill, or a brief trip) and a noun for a small drink (usually alcoholic) or a sharp sensation.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb often implies quickness and sharpness. As a noun, it can refer to the act (a nip on the arm) or the result (a nip of brandy).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The noun 'nip' meaning a small alcoholic drink is slightly more common in British English. The phrase 'nip and tuck' (neck-and-neck) is primarily AmE. The verb 'nip out' (to go out quickly) is chiefly BrE.
Connotations
In both, it suggests speed and smallness. In AmE, 'nip' can sometimes sound dated in certain contexts.
Frequency
Moderately common in both varieties, with the 'quick trip/go' sense more frequent in BrE.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[sb] nips [sb/sth] (on the [body part])[sth] nips (at [sth])[sb] nips [to/out of/into] [place][sb] nips [sth] in the budVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “nip and tuck”
- “nip it in the bud”
- “a nip in the air”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly in 'nip a problem in the bud'.
Academic
Very rare.
Everyday
Common for quick actions, small drinks, and cold weather.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- I'll just nip to the shop for some milk.
- The puppy nipped my ankle playfully.
American English
- The gardener nipped the dead blooms off the plant.
- This wind really nips your ears!
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The dog might nip you if you scare it.
- Can I have a nip of your juice?
- There's a real nip in the air this morning.
- She nipped her finger in the car door.
- We need to nip this bad behaviour in the bud early on.
- He nipped out for a cigarette during the break.
- The race was nip and tuck all the way to the finish line.
- After the ceremony, they shared a celebratory nip of single malt.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a Chihuahua named 'Nip' who gives quick little bites.
Conceptual Metaphor
SHARPNESS IS PAIN/SPEED (The sharpness of teeth/pinches maps to quick, impactful actions).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with Russian 'ниппель' (nipple).
- The 'trip' sense has no direct equivalent; 'сбегать' is close.
- 'Nip in the air' translates to 'лёгкий морозец/холодок', not a bite.
Common Mistakes
- *I felt a nip on my skin from the sun. (Use 'sting' or 'burn').
- Confusing 'nip' (small drink) with 'sip' (any drink). 'Nip' implies alcohol.
Practice
Quiz
In British English, 'I'm just nipping out' most likely means:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While it can mean a bite or pinch, it's also neutral for a quick trip ('nip to the shops') or positive for a small, enjoyable drink ('a nip of brandy').
It's an idiom meaning a very close contest where competitors are evenly matched, e.g., 'The election was nip and tuck until the final votes were counted.'
Yes, commonly in the phrase 'a nip in the air,' meaning a sharp, chilly feeling.
They are similar, but 'nip' often implies the use of teeth or claws (like an animal), or is more sudden. 'Pinch' is more specifically using fingers.