bottoms up

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bottoms up" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to express enthusiasm or encouragement, especially in regards to raising a glass to toast or make a celebratory gesture. For example: "Let's all cheers to a successful year, bottoms up!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

"Bottoms up," he said.

The New York Times

Bottoms up to that.

The Economist

Bottoms up, Greg.

The New Yorker

Bottoms Up offers a warming foot mask ($16 at www.sephora.com).sephora.com

The New York Times - Style

The title reads "Bottoms Up!" and Ms. Gorski means that literally.

The New York Times

"BOTTOMS UP TO OUR BUDDIES IN RUSSIA," the Cleveland Plain Dealer said.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

"He started a bottoms-up, state-party-focus and has been consistent in fulfilling that promise.

The New York Times

Not Totally Bottoms-Up.

Forbes

We are a bottoms-up business not top down.

TechCrunch

Rocket science is what some investors consider their super-special views on bottoms-up investing.

Forbes

Despite decades of work, various bottoms-up, synthetic biomaterials approaches have failed to produce a functional construct suitable for transplantation.

Current Opinion in Biotechnology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bottoms up" in informal settings among friends and acquaintances when toasting. It's a jovial expression that encourages everyone to enjoy their drinks and the moment.

Common error

Avoid using "bottoms up" in highly formal or professional environments. Opt for more sophisticated or neutral alternatives like "cheers" or a sincere well-wish to maintain an appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bottoms up" functions primarily as an interjection. As Ludwig AI explains, it expresses enthusiasm and encouragement when raising a glass for a toast. It signals the intention to drink and share a celebratory moment.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

12%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bottoms up" is a common interjection used primarily in informal settings to encourage drinking, often during a toast. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, although it's not appropriate for formal situations. Instead, opt for alternatives like "cheers" or "to good health" in professional contexts. While widely understood, its register is casual, so save it for relaxed gatherings with friends.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Cheers

A direct synonym, commonly used in toasts.

To good health

A more formal way of expressing well-wishes during a toast.

Here's to you

Focuses the toast directly on the recipient, offering honor or appreciation.

Salud

A toast in Spanish, conveying wishes for health.

Prost

A German toast, equivalent to "cheers".

To our success

Expresses a desire for a positive outcome.

Drink up

An imperative expression to finish one's drink.

Down the hatch

An informal way of saying "drink up".

Let's raise a glass

Invites others to participate in a toast.

Best wishes

A general expression of goodwill.

FAQs

How do you use "bottoms up" in a sentence?

"Bottoms up" is typically used as an interjection when toasting, such as, "Alright everyone, let's raise our glasses and, bottoms up!"

What is the origin of the phrase "bottoms up"?

The exact origin is debated, but it's believed to derive from the practice of drinking a glass until the bottom is facing upwards, signifying it's empty. Other theories suggests it evolved to ensure drinkers that their glasses contained no poison.

What can I say instead of "bottoms up"?

You can use alternatives like "cheers", "to good health", or a simple "let's toast" depending on the context.

Is "bottoms up" appropriate in all social situations?

No, "bottoms up" is generally considered informal. It's best suited for casual gatherings with friends and family, and is less appropriate in formal or professional settings.