stiff drink

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stiff drink" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a strong alcoholic beverage, often implying that it has a high alcohol content. Example: "After a long day at work, I like to unwind with a stiff drink."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And a stiff drink".

The Guardian - Film

"We had a stiff drink.

The New York Times

The Scots may need a stiff drink.

The Economist

You'll need a stiff drink afterwards.

The Guardian - Film

I should get a nice stiff drink".

The New York Times

I'm a wreck and I need a stiff drink.

The Guardian - Sport

Like forgetting about a bad haircut with a stiff drink.

The New York Times

MY friend sat down and ordered a stiff drink.

The New York Times

Go in and make yourself a good stiff drink.

The New Yorker

What she needs is "a stiff drink and a gab".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

After that, we narrow liberal humanists needed a stiff drink.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing dialogue, use "stiff drink" to characterize a character's mood or personality, such as someone who is stressed or sophisticated.

Common error

Avoid using "stiff drink" in contexts where you want to describe a non-alcoholic beverage, or where the strength of the drink is irrelevant. It specifically implies a strong alcoholic beverage consumed for a particular purpose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stiff drink" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes a type of alcoholic beverage, specifically one that is strong. Ludwig examples show it used both as the object of a verb (e.g., "need a stiff drink") and as part of a prepositional phrase (e.g., "with a stiff drink").

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stiff drink" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase that describes a strong alcoholic beverage, often consumed for relaxation or stress relief. Ludwig confirms this assessment with a high number of examples from various sources, predominantly news and media. While its register is generally neutral to informal, using more formal alternatives like "strong alcoholic beverage" may be more appropriate in certain contexts. When using "stiff drink", be mindful of the connotation, as it implies a specific intent and strength, and is best used to add color to conversations or descriptions of characters in stories. Overall, understanding the nuances and context of "stiff drink" can help writers use it effectively to convey the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strong drink

Highlights the potency of the drink.

stiff cocktail

Specifies the type of drink.

strong alcoholic beverage

Emphasizes the alcoholic content of the drink.

stiff one

Informal way of referring to a strong alcoholic drink

hard liquor

Focuses on the type of alcohol consumed.

a shot of hard liquor

Specifies the quantity of alcohol consumed.

a belt of something strong

Highlights the act of drinking in a quick manner.

alcoholic beverage

A general term for any drink containing alcohol.

alcoholic refreshment

Highlights alcohol as a way to relax.

potent potable

A more formal and somewhat humorous way to describe a strong drink.

FAQs

How to use "stiff drink" in a sentence?

You can use "stiff drink" to describe a strong alcoholic beverage consumed to relax or deal with a difficult situation. For example: "After a long day, I need a "stiff drink"."

What can I say instead of "stiff drink"?

You can use alternatives like "strong drink", "hard liquor", or "alcoholic beverage" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "stiff drink" in formal writing?

While "stiff drink" is widely understood, it is generally more appropriate for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider using "alcoholic beverage" or "strong alcoholic beverage".

What does "stiff" mean in the context of "stiff drink"?

In this context, "stiff" refers to the high alcohol content of the drink, implying it is potent and has a strong effect.