Nightcap
Meaning: A final alcoholic drink consumed before going to bed; can also be a euphemism for going home with someone.
A nightcap is the last drink of the evening, meant to wind down. In American culture, 'come in for a nightcap' is also a well-known euphemism for a romantic or sexual invitation. The dual meaning makes it a loaded phrase — someone offering a nightcap may or may not mean just a drink.
Examples
- Want to come up for a nightcap? I have a great bottle of bourbon. 上来喝一杯睡前酒怎么样?我有一瓶很棒的波本。¿Quieres subir a tomar la última copa? Tengo una botella de bourbon estupenda.上がってナイトキャップにどう? いいバーボンがあるんだ。올라와서 나이트캡 한 잔 할래? 좋은 버번이 있거든.
- I always have a nightcap before bed — just one whiskey to relax. 我睡前总要来一杯——就一杯威士忌放松一下。Siempre me tomo una copa antes de dormir: un whisky para relajarme.寝る前にいつもナイトキャップを一杯飲む — ウイスキーをリラックスのために。잠자기 전에 항상 나이트캡을 한 잔 해 — 긴장 풀려고 위스키 한 잔.
- We had one last nightcap at the hotel bar before calling it a night. 我们在酒店的酒吧喝了最后一杯,然后就收工了。Nos tomamos la última copa en el bar del hotel antes de dar la noche por terminada.ホテルのバーで最後にナイトキャップを飲んでから、お開きにした。호텔 바에서 마지막 나이트캡을 한 잔 하고 밤을 마무리했다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: end of evening, dating, home drinking
Tone: intimate, suggestive
✓ Do Say
- How about a nightcap?来一杯睡前酒怎么样?¿Qué tal una última copa?ナイトキャップはどう?나이트캡 한 잔 어때?
- One nightcap and then I'm going to bed.喝完这杯就去睡了。Una copa más y me voy a dormir.ナイトキャップを一杯飲んだら寝るよ。나이트캡 한 잔만 하고 잘 거야.
✗ Don't Say
- Be aware of the romantic undertone — inviting someone for a 'nightcap' has implications注意其中的暧昧暗示——邀请某人喝'nightcap'是有弦外之音的Ten en cuenta el matiz romántico: invitar a alguien a 'la última copa' tiene connotaciones.ロマンチックなニュアンスに注意 — 誰かを「ナイトキャップ」に誘うことには含みがある로맨틱한 뉘앙스에 주의하세요 — 누군가를 '나이트캡'에 초대하는 것은 그 이상의 의미를 내포할 수 있습니다
Origin & History
From the literal nightcap (a hat worn to bed) combined with the practice of having a warm drink before sleep. The alcoholic meaning dates to the 18th century. The euphemistic romantic meaning developed in 20th-century American culture.
Cultural Context
Era: 18th century onwards, romantic use 20th century
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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