sup: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Informal / Archaic
Quick answer
What does “sup” mean?
To eat dinner or supper.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To eat dinner or supper; (informal) to drink (especially alcohol) in small sips.
(Informal, archaic) To take supper; to consume liquid by sipping.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'sup' might be heard in Northern dialects for 'eat supper'. In the US, it is almost exclusively informal slang for drinking, especially beer.
Connotations
In both varieties, informal and colloquial. Can imply casual, prolonged drinking.
Frequency
Very low frequency in formal contexts. Mostly found in informal speech, songs, or literature aiming for a colloquial tone.
Grammar
How to Use “sup” in a Sentence
[V] (intransitive)[V + on + NP] (sup on stew)[V + NP] (sup a pint)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sup” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- After the match, we'll sup a few pints at the local.
- They used to sup on simple fare like bread and broth.
American English
- We're just going to sup some beers and watch the game.
- He sat on the porch, supping his iced tea slowly.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Only in historical or dialect studies.
Everyday
Informal, mostly for drinking. 'Let's go sup a few beers.'
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sup”
- Using 'sup' in formal writing.
- Confusing it with the noun 'supper'.
- Overusing as a synonym for 'drink'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is informal, colloquial, or archaic.
'Sup' implies a more casual, leisurely, often social act of drinking, typically sipping.
Yes, but this is now considered archaic or dialectal (e.g., in some UK regions).
It's a very informal, slang contraction of 'What's up?'. It is unrelated to the verb meaning 'to drink'.
To eat dinner or supper.
Sup: in British English it is pronounced /sʌp/, and in American English it is pronounced /sʌp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “'Sup? (slang contraction of 'What's up?')”
- “sup with the devil (make a dangerous compromise)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'SUPper' - you eat supper, but you 'sup' a drink.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONSUMPTION IS INCORPORATION (drinking is taking in).
Practice
Quiz
In modern informal usage, 'sup' most commonly means: