"Pre-drinks" Explained: Kickstart Your Night Out Like a Native!
Ever heard your English-speaking friends buzzing about "pre-drinks" and felt a little lost? Or maybe you're planning a night out and want to suggest it, but you're not quite sure how? You're in the right place! Understanding common slang like pre-drinks is a fantastic way to boost your conversational English and connect more naturally with native speakers. This guide will break down the meaning of pre-drinks, show you how to use it in real-life usage, and help you sound like a pro. Let's dive into this popular piece of informal English vocabulary!
Table of Contents
- What Does "Pre-drinks" Mean?
- Context and Usage of "Pre-drinks"
- Example Sentences with "Pre-drinks"
- Related Slang Words
- Conclusion
What Does "Pre-drinks" Mean?
So, what exactly are pre-drinks? The definition is quite straightforward:
Pre-drinks (often shortened to "pres" in the UK and Australia, or sometimes called "pre-game" or "pre-party" in North America) refers to the social custom of having alcoholic beverages at a private residence (like someone's house or apartment) or a less expensive venue before heading out to the main event of the evening. This main event could be a night at a club, a concert, a formal party, or a bar crawl.
The general idea behind pre-drinks is usually positive and anticipatory. It’s about:
- Socializing: It's a chance to chat and catch up with friends in a more relaxed and intimate setting before diving into a louder, more crowded environment.
- Saving Money: Drinks at clubs and popular bars can be very expensive. Having pre-drinks at home is a common way, especially for students and young adults, to save some cash.
- Getting in the Mood: It helps to build excitement for the night ahead and get everyone into a party spirit.
Essentially, pre-drinks are the warm-up act for the main event, setting the tone for a fun night out. It's a very common part of modern slang related to social gatherings.
More: Pregame Power: Understanding the Meaning of This Essential Slang
Context and Usage of "Pre-drinks"
Understanding when and how to use "pre-drinks" will make your English sound much more natural. Here’s a breakdown of its typical context:
Who usually says it?
- Young Adults and Students: This phrase is particularly popular among university students and people in their twenties and thirties. This demographic is often more budget-conscious and frequently engages in nightlife.
- Native English Speakers: While primarily used by younger crowds, many native English speakers of various ages will understand and use the term if they are planning a casual night out that involves going to pricier venues later.
In what settings is "pre-drinks" used?
- Casual Conversations: When planning a night out with friends. For example, "Are we doing pre-drinks at your place?"
- Text Messages and Social Media: It's very common to see invitations or discussions about pre-drinks in WhatsApp groups, Snapchat, or Instagram stories.
- Before various events:
- Going to a nightclub
- Attending a concert or festival
- Heading to a big house party
- Sometimes even before a dinner out, if the restaurant is known for expensive drinks.
What's the tone?
- Casual and Informal: "Pre-drinks" is definitely slang and belongs in informal settings. You wouldn’t use it in a formal invitation or a business context.
- Social and Friendly: It implies a relaxed, friendly gathering.
- Budget-Savvy: While not always the primary focus, the cost-saving aspect is often an underlying reason.
Why has "pre-drinks" become so popular? The culture of pre-drinks has grown for several reasons. As mentioned, it's economical. Bar and club prices can be steep, so starting the evening with more affordable drinks at home makes a big difference to the overall cost of a night out. Moreover, it allows for better conversation and bonding than in a noisy club. It’s a chance to control the music, the company, and the pace before the main event begins.
The American English equivalent, often heard, is "pre-gaming." According to Merriam-Webster (when referring to the social activity, not just before a sports game), it means "to begin drinking alcohol before a social event (such as a party or concert)." This highlights how widespread the concept is, even if the exact term varies.
More: Kegger Explained: Your Guide to This Classic Party Slang
Example Sentences with "Pre-drinks"
Seeing pre-drinks in action will help you grasp its real-life usage. Here are a few examples in a dialogue format:
Example 1: Planning a night out
- Person A: "Hey! Are you free to go out on Saturday? We're thinking of hitting that new club downtown."
- Person B: "Sounds great! Should we have some pre-drinks at my place first to save some money?"
Example 2: Already at someone's house
- Person A: "This is a great playlist! What time are we heading to the actual party?"
- Person B: "Let's finish these pre-drinks and maybe call a cab around 10 PM?"
Example 3: Inviting someone
- Person A: "What are you up to tonight?"
- Person B: "Not much yet. A few of us are having pre-drinks at Sarah's around 8 PM before going to The Roxy. You should come!"
Example 4: Referring to the activity
- Person A: "I spent so much money last weekend."
- Person B: "Yeah, me too. Next time, we definitely need to do proper pre-drinks before we go anywhere."
Example 5: Using the shortened version "pres"
- Person A: "Are you coming to pres at Tom's later?"
- Person B: "Definitely! What time does it start?"
These examples show how versatile the term pre-drinks is in everyday conversations among friends. It’s a staple in vocabulary building for understanding modern social interactions.
Related Slang Words
If you understand "pre-drinks," you might find these related slang words and phrases useful too. They all touch upon aspects of socializing, drinking, or party culture:
| Related Slang | Meaning & When to Use It | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-game | (Primarily AmE) The same as pre-drinks; drinking before an event. | "We're going to pre-game at my apartment before the concert." |
| BYOB | "Bring Your Own Bottle/Booze/Beer." An instruction for guests to bring their own alcoholic drinks to a party or gathering, often including pre-drinks. | "The party is BYOB, so don't forget to pick something up." |
| Nightcap | An alcoholic drink taken right before going to bed or at the very end of an evening out. | "It's getting late. Fancy one last drink as a nightcap?" |
| Boozer | (BrE slang) A pub; or, a person who drinks a lot of alcohol. | "Let's meet at the local boozer for a quick pint after work." / "He's a bit of a boozer on weekends." |
| Get-together | An informal social gathering. Pre-drinks can be a type of get-together. | "We're having a small get-together on Friday, just a few friends for some food and drinks." |
Knowing these terms will further enhance your understanding of informal English and help you navigate various social situations.
Conclusion
Mastering slang like "pre-drinks" is a fantastic step towards speaking English more fluently and sounding like a native. It’s more than just a word; it’s a cultural practice that reflects how many people, especially young adults, socialize and manage their budgets for a night out.
To recap, pre-drinks are all about having a few drinks with friends at a less expensive location before heading to your main event. It’s casual, social, and a very common part of nightlife in many English-speaking countries.
Now it's your turn! Have you ever been to pre-drinks? Or do you have a similar custom in your culture? Share your experiences or try creating your own sentence using "pre-drinks" in the comments below! We'd love to hear from you. And if you're keen on learning more English slang words, check out our other articles!