apéritif

aperitif, pre-dinner drink

noun ah-peh-ree-TEEF Rare

Origin: Latin aperire (to open), signifying the drink that 'opens' the appetite

Usage Note

Apéritif (colloquially apéro) is a deeply embedded French social ritual: drinks and small snacks (amuse-bouches) shared before a meal. Kir, pastis, or white wine are typical choices. The shortened form apéro is ubiquitous in informal spoken French.

Examples

"Ils prennent l'apéritif dans le jardin."

Natural Translation

They are having aperitifs in the garden.

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