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adj

tipsy

TIHP-see
adj
1
Slightly drunk; unsteady from alcohol.
"After two glasses of wine, she was pleasantly tipsy."
"He got a bit tipsy at the wedding reception."

How to Use Tipsy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA bit drunk, but not fully intoxicated.

Common mistake

Tipsy is milder than "drunk" — it suggests a light, often cheerful buzz rather than serious intoxication.

Easily confused with
Common pairings
a bit tipsy feeling tipsy get tipsy

Word Forms

tipsier comparative, tipsiest superlative

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After two glasses of wine, she was pleasantly _____.

Etymology

From "tips" plus -y, on the same pattern as "artsy" or "folksy."

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial