Tippler

A tippler is a person who habitually drinks small quantities of alcoholic beverages. The term often implies a fondness for alcohol, but not necessarily to the point of being an alcoholic or suffering from alcohol dependence. A tippler may enjoy a regular drink, perhaps a glass of wine with dinner or a pint of beer after work, but maintains control over their consumption and avoids excessive intoxication.

The word carries a somewhat pejorative connotation, suggesting a habit that might be considered mildly undesirable or slightly frivolous. Historically, the term was more strongly associated with negative judgments, but in modern usage, the level of disapproval is generally lower. A tippler is often contrasted with a heavy drinker, alcoholic, or sot, who are characterized by greater levels of consumption and a loss of control over their drinking habits.

While "tippler" can refer to someone who drinks frequently, it also suggests someone who enjoys the taste of alcohol and appreciates the social ritual surrounding drinking, rather than simply seeking intoxication. The term is more likely to be applied to someone who sips a fine wine or enjoys a craft beer than someone who rapidly consumes large quantities of inexpensive alcohol.

Synonyms for "tippler" with varying degrees of negativity include: sipper, imbiber, drinker, toper, and sot.