ouzo
LowSpecific, Informal
Definition
Meaning
A clear, strong, anise-flavoured alcoholic drink from Greece.
A specific type of aperitif or liqueur, traditionally served with water or ice, which turns it milky white. It is emblematic of Greek culture and social drinking.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Refers specifically to the Greek drink; cannot be used as a generic term for any anise-flavoured spirit (cf. 'raki', 'arak', 'pastis').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties refer to the same Greek product. The word is a direct loan and treated the same.
Connotations
Both carry connotations of Greek cuisine, holidays, and Mediterranean lifestyle.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both, primarily used in contexts discussing Greek food/drink or travel experiences.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
drink + ouzoserve + ouzo + with water/iceorder + ouzoVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Ouzo effect (scientific term for liquid turning milky)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might appear in import/export, hospitality, or food & beverage industry reports.
Academic
Rare. May appear in cultural studies, anthropology, or food history contexts.
Everyday
Used when discussing Greek food, holidays, or ordering in a restaurant.
Technical
Rare outside of specific food science or distillation contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- He preferred the ouzo taste to other spirits.
American English
- The ouzo flavor is very distinct.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We tried ouzo in Greece.
- Ouzo is a Greek drink.
- The waiter brought us a small glass of ouzo with our meal.
- Ouzo tastes of anise and turns white with water.
- After a long day exploring the island, we relaxed with some ouzo and olives.
- Many local tavernas produce their own version of ouzo.
- The production of ouzo is protected by EU law, stipulating it must be made in Greece using specific methods.
- He found the cultural ritual of sharing ouzo with mezedes more fascinating than the drink itself.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
OUZO is what YOU-ZO? (you so) relaxed drinking on a Greek island.
Conceptual Metaphor
LEISURE IS OUZO (e.g., 'the holiday wasn't complete without ouzo').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'водка' (vodka); ouzo is flavoured and lower proof.
- Do not translate as 'анисовка' generically; ouzo is specifically Greek.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'ouzo' to refer to Turkish raki or French pastis.
- Pronouncing the 'z' as /ts/ or /dz/.
- Capitalising it as a proper noun (it is not).
Practice
Quiz
Ouzo is most closely associated with which country?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Both are anise-flavoured, but sambuca is Italian, often sweeter, and served differently (e.g., with coffee beans).
It is traditionally served neat in a small glass, often with a side carafe of cold water or ice to dilute it, which causes the louche (milky) effect.
No. 'Ouzo' is a protected designation of origin for the Greek spirit. Similar drinks from other regions have different names like 'raki', 'arak', or 'pastis'.
It is traditionally accompanied by small plates called 'mezedes', such as olives, feta cheese, grilled octopus, sardines, or calamari.