slurp
B2Informal, Onomatopoeic
Definition
Meaning
To eat or drink something noisily by sucking it in, often through closed lips.
To consume any liquid or semi-liquid substance (e.g., noodles, soup, a smoothie) with a loud, sucking noise. Can be used as a noun for the sound itself.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies enjoyment, haste, or poor table manners. As a verb, it's often followed by an adverb like 'loudly' or 'noisily'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant meaning difference. The word is equally common and understood in both dialects. The object of the verb may vary slightly with local foods.
Connotations
Universally informal and often mildly negative when describing human eating, but can be neutral or positive when describing the eager consumption of a tasty drink or food. Can be used humorously or for pets.
Frequency
Equal frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] + slurp + [Object] (He slurped his soup).[Subject] + slurp + [Adverb] (The dog slurped noisily).[Subject] + slurp + up + [Object] (She slurped up the noodles).Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “'Slurp it down' - to consume something quickly and noisily.”
- “'The slurp of satisfaction' - the noise made when enjoying a drink.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Very rare. Might appear in informal marketing for food/drinks ('slurp-worthy smoothies').
Academic
Extremely rare, except in linguistics as an example of onomatopoeia.
Everyday
Common in informal contexts to describe eating/drinking, especially with children or when complaining about manners.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- It's considered rude to slurp your tea in some cultures.
- He slurped up the last of his tomato soup from the bowl.
American English
- Don't slurp your soda like that!
- The kids happily slurped their milkshakes through straws.
adverb
British English
- N/A (Standard use is 'slurpily', which is non-standard and very rare).
American English
- N/A (Standard use is 'slurpily', which is non-standard and very rare).
adjective
British English
- He gave a slurping laugh. (metaphorical, rare)
- The slurping noise from the kitchen was annoying.
American English
- The puppy made slurping sounds while drinking.
- I hate the slurping effect when the sink is clogged.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My dog slurps water from his bowl.
- The baby slurps his milk.
- It's polite not to slurp when you eat noodles in some countries.
- I could hear him slurping his coffee in the next room.
- She slurped down the smoothie in under a minute, desperate to cool off.
- The loud slurp from his soup spoon made everyone at the table glance his way.
- The author vividly described the protagonist slurping oyster stew, using the sound to emphasize his crude character.
- Despite its informal register, 'slurp' is a perfect example of linguistic iconicity, as its phonetics mimic the action it denotes.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
The word SOUNDS like the action: 'sl-' for the liquid start, '-urp' for the sucking finish, like a tiny burp.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONSUMING IS AUDIBLE SUCTION.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'хлебать' (khlebat') in all contexts, as it is much coarser. 'Slurp' is informal but not vulgar. The closer neutral phrase is 'пить/есть с шумом'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it in formal writing. Incorrect: 'The client slurped his tea during the meeting.' Correct: 'The client drank his tea.'
- Using it for quiet eating: 'She slurped her salad.' (Salad is not typically slurped).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the verb 'slurp' be LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The word itself is not rude, but it describes an action often considered impolite in many Western dining cultures. It is informal.
Typically, 'slurp' is used for liquids or foods consumed with liquid, like noodles in broth. You wouldn't 'slurp' a piece of bread or an apple.
Yes. 'Slurp' can be a noun meaning the sound itself. Example: 'He drank with a loud slurp.'
Yes. In some East Asian cultures, notably in Japan, slurping noodles (like ramen or soba) is a sign of enjoying the meal and is perfectly acceptable, even encouraged.