Bevvie

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A colloquial term for a beverage, typically an alcoholic drink consumed socially or casually
2. Informal slang referring to any drink, often an alcoholic one enjoyed in a relaxed setting
3. A casual expression for a drink, usually implying alcohol served at social gatherings or informal occasions

Etymology: "Bevvie" is a informal, mostly British variant of "bevvy," and both words are built from "beverage" through a process of shortening and affectionate suffixing. The longer word came into English from Anglo-French "bevrage" (drink), and English speakers trimmed it down to "bevvy" by keeping only the opening syllable, then added the diminutive "-y" ending that turns many everyday nouns into friendly, casual forms, as in "hanky" or "movie." The suffix does more work here than it might seem. Its job is to signal a small, informal, slightly cosy version of the thing named, so "bevvy" carries the tone of a quick drink with mates rather than a formal serving of refreshment. The spelling "bevvie," with the final "-ie," is an alternative form of the same diminutive, and it is the spelling that appears in some casual writing.

Synonyms: drink, booze, session