Word
tipsy
Phoneticstip·sy, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈtɪpsi/
UK/tˈɪpsi/
Definition
adj. a little bit drunk. You use this when someone has had one or two drinks and is starting to feel the effects.
adj. slightly intoxicated or drunk. Often used in a lighthearted or self-deprecating manner to describe a state of mild inebriation.
Examples
“He got a little tipsy at the party last night.”
“After a few glasses of wine, she felt tipsy enough to dance but still clear-headed enough to drive home.”
“The evening ended with everyone feeling tipsy and slightly regretful, though the atmosphere remained warm and friendly as they walked back to their hotel.”
Examples
simple
“He got a little tipsy at the party last night.”
contextual
“After a few glasses of wine, she felt tipsy enough to dance but still clear-headed enough to drive home.”
complex
“The evening ended with everyone feeling tipsy and slightly regretful, though the atmosphere remained warm and friendly as they walked back to their hotel.”
Etymology
From tips + -y. Compare artsy, folksy, and sudsy.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/tipsy