General
tipsy
What does tipsy mean?
Used to describe the fun, loose mood of being a little buzzed.
"She gets so chatty when she's tipsy."
Origin
English slang dating to the 1500s, from 'tip' meaning to tilt or be unsteady. The drinking sense has been standard for centuries.
Frequently asked questions
What does tipsy mean?
Tipsy means slightly drunk — buzzed and loosened up, but not fully intoxicated.
Is tipsy more drunk than buzzed?
They're roughly the same stage. Both mean lightly intoxicated, well short of drunk.
Where does the word tipsy come from?
It comes from 'tip,' meaning to tilt or be unsteady, and has meant lightly drunk since the 1500s.
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