Word of the Day, August 20: ‘Guzzle’

Word of the Day: GUZZLE

Pronunciation: UK /ˈɡʌz.əl/ US /ˈɡʌz.əl/

Meaning

'Guzzle' means to eat or drink something quickly and eagerly, often in large quantities. It can also be used for machines, especially vehicles, that use a large amount of fuel.

Examples for daily usage

• He guzzled down a glass of water after his run.
• The children guzzled the lemonade before the guests arrived.
• That old car guzzles petrol.

Origin and history

The exact origin of "guzzle" is uncertain. The word appeared in English in the 16th century, with early uses referring to drinking greedily or swallowing large quantities.

Some etymological sources connect it with the Middle English word "gusen", meaning to drink or swallow, while other explanations suggest that its origin may be imitative, reflecting the sound or action of rapid drinking. 

By the 17th century, guzzle was being used more broadly for drinking excessively, particularly alcohol. Its modern use can refer to rapidly consuming both food and non-alcoholic drinks.

Also Read: Word of the Day, August 19: ‘Scrooge’

Cultural significance and modern usage

Unlike more formal words such as consume or ingest, guzzle is deliberately informal and vivid. It gives the impression of someone consuming something quickly, enthusiastically or greedily.

The word is particularly common in phrases such as "guzzle down" or "guzzle up". For example, someone might guzzle down a cold drink on a hot day.

Interesting facts

Guzzle can describe both drinking and eating, although drinking is its most traditional use.

The word often carries a sense of speed or excess, rather than simply describing ordinary consumption.

It does not necessarily refer to alcohol. Someone can guzzle water, juice, milk or a soft drink.

"Gas guzzler" became a particularly common expression in American English during debates over fuel consumption and large, inefficient vehicles.

Examples from literature

• “Petra said, and guzzled from the half shell of fresh rainwater.” — Beauty Queens by Libba Bray
• “He was a great guzzler of wine.” — Charles Dickens, The Pickwick Papers

Synonyms

• Devour
• Gobble
• Wolf down

Antonyms

• Sip
• Savour
• Taste

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