Chugs

Part of speech: verb

Pronunciation: /t͡ʃʌɡz/

Definitions

1. To consume a drink rapidly without stopping ; to move forward making a repetitive puffing or chugging noise, like a steam engine
2. To gulp down a liquid in quick succession ; to proceed with slow, rhythmic noises or movements often produced by engines or machines
3. To swallow a beverage quickly in large mouthfuls ; to advance with characteristic repetitive sounds or jerky motions, as an engine or motor might

Etymology: "Chug" is onomatopoeic, imitating the rhythmic puffing of a working steam engine. The sound of a locomotive labouring up a grade became a verb for moving steadily along, and then for the sound of a liquid being swallowed in long, noisy gulps. "Chugs" is simply the third-person singular form of that verb, used with a subject such as "he" or "she" to describe someone downing a drink quickly. The word has a darker and unrelated strand. Its racial slur sense derives from a stereotype of Native Americans as heavy drinkers who chugged alcohol, a caricature that gave the slur its sting. Because this sense is offensive, it is best recognised as a distinct and damaging usage rather than as part of the everyday verb's story.

Synonyms: gulps, swallows, sips, quaffs, slurps

Antonyms: spills, drops, pours, loses, wastes