nip

1
[ nip ]
/ nɪp /

verb (used with object), nipped, nip·ping.

verb (used without object), nipped, nip·ping.

Chiefly British Slang. to leave stealthily; sneak away; flee (often followed by away).

noun

Idioms for nip

    nip and tuck, with each competitor equaling or closely contesting the speed, scoring, or efforts of the other: It was nip and tuck as to which sailboat would reach port first.
    nip in the bud. bud1(def 13).

Origin of nip

1
1350–1400; Middle English nyppe to pinch < Old Norse hnippa to poke, thrust

Definition for nip (2 of 3)

nip 2
[ nip ]
/ nɪp /

noun

a small drink of alcoholic liquor; sip: a person who relishes an occasional nip.
Chiefly British. split(def 27).

verb (used with or without object), nipped, nip·ping.

to drink (alcoholic liquor) in small sips, especially repeatedly.

Origin of nip

2
1690–1700; < Dutch nippen to sip; in def. 2, short for earlier nipperkin vessel holding half-pint or less

Definition for nip (3 of 3)

Nip
[ nip ]
/ nɪp /

noun, adjective Slang: Extremely Disparaging and Offensive.

a contemptuous term used to refer to a Japanese person.

Origin of Nip

First recorded in 1942; short for Nipponese

usage note for Nip

This term, patterned on the earlier term Jap , was first used in English shortly after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.

British Dictionary definitions for nip (1 of 3)

nip 1
/ (nɪp) /

verb nips, nipping or nipped (mainly tr)

noun

Word Origin for nip

C14: of Scandinavian origin; compare Old Norse hnippa to prod

British Dictionary definitions for nip (2 of 3)

nip 2
/ (nɪp) /

noun

a small drink of spirits; dram
mainly British a measure of spirits usually equal to one sixth of a gill

verb nips, nipping or nipped

to drink (spirits), esp habitually in small amounts

Word Origin for nip

C18: shortened from nipperkin a vessel holding a half-pint or less, of uncertain origin; compare Dutch nippen to sip

British Dictionary definitions for nip (3 of 3)

Nip
/ (nɪp) /

noun

slang a derogatory word for a Japanese

Word Origin for Nip

C20: short for Nipponese