tass: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very rare / archaic / regional (Scotland)Literary / Historical / Regional (Scottish)
Quick answer
What does “tass” mean?
A cup, goblet, or drinking vessel, typically one without handles, sometimes ornate.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A cup, goblet, or drinking vessel, typically one without handles, sometimes ornate; historically, a shallow cup or bowl for wine or liquor.
1. A ceremonial cup, especially in historical contexts like feasts or religious rites. 2. (Scottish/archaic) A small measure of whisky or spirits, often served in a small glass or cup.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is essentially extinct in American English. It may be encountered in British English in highly specific literary or historical contexts, and has a slight regional foothold in Scots.
Connotations
UK: Historical, poetic, sometimes rustic. US: Unfamiliar, strictly historical/archaic.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. Near-zero in contemporary American use; marginally higher in UK due to Scots dialect and historical literature.
Grammar
How to Use “tass” in a Sentence
[V] the tasspass the [Adj] tass[N] of [liquid] (e.g., a tass of whisky)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Rare, found in historical texts discussing medieval dining or material culture.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Not used in modern technical contexts; possible in antique or historical re-enactment circles.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tass”
- Using it as a modern synonym for 'cup'.
- Confusing it with 'tassel' (a decorative fringe).
- Assuming it's a standard unit of measure.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is extremely rare and considered archaic or regionally specific to Scotland.
No, it specifically refers to a type of cup or goblet, often without a handle, and carries historical connotations. Using it for a modern drinking glass would be incorrect and stylistically odd.
A 'tass' is typically a smaller, often shallower, cup without a handle, used historically for wine or spirits. A 'mug' is a larger, handled vessel, usually for hot drinks like coffee or tea.
Primarily for reading older literature, poetry, or texts about Scottish culture. It's a word for building historical lexical awareness rather than for active communication.
A cup, goblet, or drinking vessel, typically one without handles, sometimes ornate.
Tass is usually literary / historical / regional (scottish) in register.
Tass: in British English it is pronounced /tas/, and in American English it is pronounced /tæs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None common. Historical/poetic: "drain the tass to the dregs" (to finish completely).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a TASSel hanging from an old, ornate CUP – TASS rhymes with glass and means a cup.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTAINER FOR SOCIALITY / RITUAL (The tass is a vessel for communal drinking and ceremony).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would you most likely encounter the word 'tass'?