Chug

Part of speech: verb

Pronunciation: /t͡ʃʌɡ/

Definitions

1. To produce a repeated series of short, sharp noises often by an engine or similar mechanism ; to swallow a beverage rapidly in successive large gulps without pausing
2. To emit consecutive rhythmic bursts of sound resembling a chuffing or puffing action ; to consume liquid quickly and continuously in hurried mouthfuls
3. To sound with repeated short bursts like a steam engine or motor ; to gulp down a drink quickly in several large swallows

Etymology: Chug is onomatopoeic, imitating the rhythmic puffing of a working steam engine. The sound was turned into a verb meaning to move along noisily, and from there it came to describe drinking quickly, gulping a whole can or bottle in one go. The source also records a much darker sense. Chugging was used in a racial slur, drawing on a stereotype of Native Americans as heavy drinkers. Readers should know that this usage exists and is offensive, and that the everyday sense owes nothing to it.

Synonyms: guzzle, slurp, drink, sip, swig

Antonyms: pour, spill, waste, discard, abandon