half-pint
half-pint — noun
1. a unit of volume equal to half of one pint — about 284 millilitres in Britain an
a unit of volume equal to half of one pint — about 284 millilitres in Britain and 237 millilitres in the US — used especially for milk, beer, cider, cream, or other liquids sold in standard measures.
Theo picked up a half-pint of milk from the corner shop on his way to work.
half-pint of [liquid] — standard measure phrase
The recipe calls for a half-pint of single cream, not the double variety.
Diego ordered a half-pint of cider at the pub because a full pint was too much.
A half-pint of milk every morning is enough for Amara's tea.
- half-pint measure
emphasises the measuring container rather than the volume itself
- pint
double the volume
用法筆記
The actual volume of a half-pint differs between the UK (≈284 ml) and the US (≈237 ml) because a US pint is smaller. In British pubs, a half-pint glass is a common serving size for beer or cider.
2. an insulting or teasing way to refer to a person who is short in height or who s
an insulting or teasing way to refer to a person who is short in height or who seems unimportant — often used playfully among friends but can cause offence if used with strangers.
A group of older boys teased Vikram in the schoolyard, calling him a half-pint as he walked past.
calling [someone] a half-pint — mocking nickname pattern
Ananya's uncle chuckled and said, "Come here, half-pint," when his four-year-old niece ran into the room.
affectionate use among family — register softens with context
"Watch yourself, half-pint," the bully muttered as he shoved Kwame against the lockers.
Even as an adult, Omar hated being called a half-pint because of his height.
用法筆記
This is an informal and potentially offensive term. It is used as a taunt about a person's height or status. Among close friends or family it can be affectionate, but with strangers it is almost always insulting. It is not considered as harsh as some other slurs, but it still shows disrespect.
常見錯誤
half-pint — adjective
1. much smaller than the usual size for its type; designed in a compact or miniatur
much smaller than the usual size for its type; designed in a compact or miniature form.
The bakery sold half-pint loaves of bread that were just right for a single person.
half-pint + [noun] — attributive adjective pattern
Fatima bought a half-pint backpack for her toddler to carry his toys to daycare.
The half-pint pony at the fairground was the only horse the children were allowed to ride.
Haruto chose a half-pint cricket bat from the sports shop because the standard size was too heavy.
- miniature
neutral in register; more common and less informal than half-pint
- compact
emphasises efficient use of space rather than small size
- diminutive
formal register; describes something very small in size
用法筆記
Used almost exclusively before a noun (attributive position). It is not common in predicative position — you would not say 'the dog is half-pint.' The adjective is informal and often carries a slightly playful or affectionate tone.