teetotaler

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "teetotaler" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who abstains from consuming alcoholic beverages. Example: "At the party, I was surprised to find that he was a teetotaler, choosing soda over beer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

McMurtry says Custer was a teetotaler for most of his adult life, yet he has him "sampling two fine kegs of liquor" on the day of the battle.

The New York Times - Books

The man is a mass of contradictions: a teetotaler who gambles for high stakes; a womaniser who dotes on his 34-year-old second wife, Candy; a champion of the poor who lives like a king.

The Economist

Energetic and sociable, a corpulent teetotaler with a stammer, Darwin engaged in diverse activities, and his reputation varied during his lifetime as well as after his death.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He also believes that drinking more than the current recommended daily intake may in fact be healthier than being a teetotaler.

Independent

No one had to worry about the integrity of Sergey Taneyev (1856-1915), the great mentor to Rachmaninoff, Scriabin, and Prokofiev; a teetotaler, a bachelor, and a contrapuntalist of Bachian calibre, he is the great mystery man of Russian music.

The New Yorker

A teetotaler librarian (Mary Bacon, in a part that won Helen Hayes her first Tony) goes flying off the wagon after chasing a banker into a Newark bar.

The New Yorker

Since Bryan was a teetotaler, the statesman chased the salute with water, reasoning that the admiral had won more victories on water than on Champagne.

The New York Times

Marty Bergen was a teetotaler whose outward calm masked a deep-seated paranoia that in 1900 led him to murder his wife and two children, then to commit suicide.

The New York Times - Sports

(Clubhouse boys and the unused Joba Chamberlain squirting the most riotously; Pettitte, a teetotaler, slipping behind the plastic covers, retrieving his dry clothing and retreating to a back room).

The New York Times - Sports

Pfister threatened to sue, saying he was a teetotaler.

The New York Times - Sports

His grandson says he was an ascetic teetotaler, and did virtually no socializing — "with my grandfather, there was no such thing as a holiday".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "teetotaler" when you specifically want to emphasize a complete and often principled abstinence from alcohol. It carries a stronger connotation than simply 'non-drinker'.

Common error

Avoid using "teetotaler" in contexts where occasional or moderate drinking is acceptable. The term implies strict and consistent abstinence, so using it loosely can be misleading.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "teetotaler" is as a noun. It identifies a person who practices complete abstinence from alcohol. Ludwig's examples show it used to describe individuals, often in biographical or descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

26%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "teetotaler" is a grammatically correct and widely used noun that refers to someone who completely abstains from alcohol. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and provides numerous real-world examples. While not inherently formal, it implies a deliberate and consistent lifestyle choice and is found frequently in news and media. Remember that it suggests a stricter abstinence than alternatives like "non-drinker". To avoid miscommunication, be mindful of the context to make sure a complete alcohol avoidance is the right message for your specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

non-drinker

A straightforward description of someone who does not drink alcohol.

person who doesn't drink

A simple, direct way of expressing the idea.

alcohol abstainer

More specific, highlighting the abstention from alcohol.

abstainer

Focuses on the act of abstaining from something, not specifically alcohol.

individual who avoids alcohol

Emphasizes the act of avoiding alcohol.

one who refrains from drinking

A more formal way of saying someone doesn't drink.

one who abstains from alcohol

A formal and descriptive alternative.

completely abstinent person

Highlights the complete absence of alcohol consumption.

sober individual

Emphasizes the state of being sober, which can be temporary or permanent.

non-alcoholic

Implies a lifestyle choice to avoid alcohol.

FAQs

How to use "teetotaler" in a sentence?

You can use "teetotaler" to describe someone who completely abstains from alcoholic beverages. For example: "He is a dedicated "teetotaler" and never touches alcohol."

What can I say instead of "teetotaler"?

You can use alternatives like "abstainer", "non-drinker", or "sober individual" depending on the context.

Is it offensive to call someone a "teetotaler"?

No, the term "teetotaler" is generally not considered offensive. It simply describes someone who does not drink alcohol. However, avoid using it in a judgmental or condescending way.

What's the difference between "teetotaler" and "abstainer"?

"Teetotaler" specifically refers to someone who abstains from alcohol, while "abstainer" can refer to someone who abstains from anything, such as certain foods or activities.