Bottoms up ⬇️🍾

Meaning

A toast made before drinking, encouraging everyone to finish their drink.

Origin

The origins of 'bottoms up' as a drinking toast are steeped in old-world conviviality, likely emerging from the simple act of raising a glass. When revelers would finish their drinks in one go, they'd often turn their glasses upside down, or 'bottoms up,' to show they hadn't held back. This gesture became synonymous with emptying one's glass entirely, evolving into the cheerful exhortation to drink deep and finish strong.

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Bottoms up represented with emoji⬇️🍾

This playful pairing of symbols, with its downward arrow preceding a sparkling bottle, doesn't just tell a story of refreshment; it functions as a whimsical prompt. It teaches the viewer to embrace a moment of conviviality, urging a collective, spirited gesture that echoes the simple joy of sharing a drink and raising a glass in good company.

Examples

  • Everyone, bottoms up, and let's celebrate this new beginning!
  • With a cheer, we all raised our glasses and said, 'Bottoms up!'
  • The dragons said 'Bottoms up!' before draining their chalices of fizzy lemonade.
  • The pirate captain declared without hesitation, 'Bottoms up, ye scurvy dogs, to treasure!'

Frequently asked questions

Is 'Bottoms up' a formal or informal saying?

The phrase 'Bottoms up' is distinctly informal. It's typically used among friends and in relaxed social settings rather than in formal business or ceremonial occasions.

What are some alternatives to the toast 'Bottoms up'?

Similar toasts include 'Cheers!', 'To your health!', 'Salud!' (Spanish), and 'Santé!' (French). These phrases also encourage shared drinking and well-wishes.

Does 'Bottoms up' have any other meanings besides a drinking toast?

While primarily known as a drinking toast, 'bottoms up' can occasionally be used humorously to mean 'everything is gone' or 'finished completely'. This usage extends the idea of emptying a glass to other contexts.

Similar to "Bottoms up"

Cheers!
Both are toasts before drinking, but 'Cheers!' is a broader expression of goodwill and celebration, whereas 'Bottoms up' specifically urges finishing the drink
À votre santé!
Both phrases signal a toast, but this French expression of 'to your health!' carries a more formal and elegant air than the boisterous command of 'Bottoms up'
Skål!
Both are boisterous calls to drink, but 'Skål!', originating from Scandinavia, often involves a more communal and spirited ritual of eye contact and shared clinking

Opposite of "Bottoms up"

Easy does it
This advises caution and moderation in drinking, offering a stark contrast to 'Bottoms up's' command for uninhibited consumption
Sip and savor
This encourages slow, appreciative drinking, directly challenging the rapid consumption implied by 'Bottoms up' and celebrating the nuanced experience of taste
One drink at a time
This asserts mindful consumption and self-control, a polite but firm counterpoint to the often unrestrained spirit of 'Bottoms up'

Related to "Bottoms up"

Hooch
'Hooch' refers to strong, often illicit alcohol, and often evokes a context where finishing a drink quickly, as per 'Bottoms up', might be part of the appeal
A round of drinks
This signifies a shared social ritual where everyone is expected to drink, setting the stage for a collective 'Bottoms up!' to commence
Last call!
This is the final warning to order drinks, often leading to a flurry of 'Bottoms up!' toasts as people try to finish before the bar closes
To the host!
This is another common toast, celebrating the person providing the drinks, and it typically precedes or follows a more general call like 'Bottoms up!'