Word
poppers
Phoneticspop·pers, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpɑpɝz/
UK/pˈɒpəz/
Plural noun
Definition
n. small bottles of strong liquid that you breathe in through the nose for a very short, dizzy rush. People often use them at dance clubs or parties.
n. volatile alkyl nitrite liquids sold in small bottles and inhaled for a brief rush, light-headedness and muscle relaxation. Commonly associated with dance clubs and party settings.
Examples
“He keeps a small bottle of poppers in his bag.”
“Security reminds clubbers that poppers are banned inside the venue because the fumes bother other guests.”
“Though sold as room deodorizers to avoid drug laws, poppers have long occupied an ambiguous space between nightlife accessory and controlled substance.”
Examples
simple
“He keeps a small bottle of poppers in his bag.”
contextual
“Security reminds clubbers that poppers are banned inside the venue because the fumes bother other guests.”
complex
“Though sold as room deodorizers to avoid drug laws, poppers have long occupied an ambiguous space between nightlife accessory and controlled substance.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “poppers” in context.
Verb
01. ban poppers
“Lawmakers debated whether to ban poppers over health concerns.”
verb + noun
02. poppers kick in
“Witnesses said the poppers kick in almost immediately.”
noun + verb + prep
03. poppers wear off
“The dizzy effects of poppers wear off within a few minutes.”
noun + verb + prep
04. rely on poppers
“Some clubgoers rely on poppers to feel more energetic while dancing.”
verb + prep + noun
05. sell poppers
“It is illegal to sell poppers to customers under 18 in many areas.”
verb + noun
Adjective
06. cheap poppers
“Police seized cheap poppers sold illegally outside the nightclub.”
adj + noun
07. fake poppers
“Trading standards officers warned shops against selling fake poppers.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. bottle of poppers
“Security found a small bottle of poppers in his jacket pocket.”
noun + prep + noun
09. effects of poppers
“The leaflet explains the short-term effects of poppers on blood pressure.”
noun + prep + noun
10. ban the sale of poppers
“Several councils moved to ban the sale of poppers near schools.”
11. come down from poppers
“She felt dizzy for a minute as she came down from poppers.”
12. get a rush from poppers
“Users report they get a brief rush from poppers lasting seconds.”
Usage
Takes a plural verb even when referring to one small bottle.
Real-World Examples
“A club drug and aphrodisiac since the 1970s, inhaled “poppers” are increasingly linked to eye damage - possibly due to a new formulation - according to a short report from the UK.” “Getting high by inhaling the vapors of alkyl nitrite capsules, commonly known as "poppers," can seriously damage the light-sensing cells lining the retina of the eye, French doctors reported on Wednesday.” Etymology
Amyl nitrites were originally sold in small glass ampoules wrapped in cloth. Recreational users would crush or "pop" these vials between their fingers to release their vapours, which is thought to be the origin of the slang term.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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