Schnapps

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A strong distilled spirit frequently flavored with fruit, herbs, or spices
2. A type of highly alcoholic drink typically served as a shot, often with a fruity or herbal taste
3. A potent alcoholic drink made by distilling and often infused with fruit flavors or herbs

Etymology: The German "Schnaps" has a surprisingly humble origin: it comes from a Low German word for a "mouthful" or "gulp," tied to the verb "schnappen," meaning to snap or snatch. Early German usage applied it to a quick swallow of strong drink, which is why the word came to name the spirit itself rather than the act of drinking it. The English word is a direct borrowing of this German term, which is why it keeps the German spelling and its sense of a single, quick measure. Over time, the word moved from describing a gulp to naming a category of spirit, and in English it now covers a broad range of flavoured liquors, from fruit-based varieties to herbal ones. The shift from an action to an object is a common pattern in drink names, and "schnapps" shows it clearly.

Synonyms: liquor, spirits, distilled drink, alcohol, beverage