Idioms, Slang and Phrasal Verbs
Bar Talk in the U.S.
1) In front of the bar, you see a sign that says, “Happy Hour 5-7.” This means:
- A Only happy people are allowed inside.
- B Drinks are cheaper than usual.
- C There’s a comedy show.
- D You get a free drink if you make the bartender laugh.
2) When you walk into the bar, the doorman says that you have to pay $5. This is:
- A a tip
- B a bribe
- C a rip-off
- D a cover charge
3) The doorman asks to see your I.D. (identification). He wants to make sure you’re 21. What did he just do?
- A He hit on you.
- B He carded you.
- C He eighty-sixed you.
- D He flattered you.
4) You want bourbon with ice. What do you say?
- A “I’d like a bourbon, neat.”
- B “I’d like a whiskey sour.”
- C “I’d like a bourbon on the rocks.”
- D “I’d like a shot of bourbon.”
5) Your American friend wants a martini. What are you ordering?
- A A glass of Martini Bianco.
- B A drink that comes in a big glass. It’s made with vodka, tomato juice, Tabasco, horseradish, and Worcestershire sauce and usually has a stick of celery in it.
- C A strong drink that comes in a fancy glass. It’s made with gin or vodka and vermouth and usually has an olive in it.
- D A drink named after Dean Martin.
6) After the bartender serves you the drinks, what should you do?
- A Leave an extra dollar or two on the bar.
- B Say thank you and walk away.
- C Offer to buy the bartender a drink.
- D Wait for the server to carry the drinks to your table.
7) Someone of the opposite sex says you have beautiful eyes and offers to buy you a drink. They’re almost definitely:
- A tipping you
- B rejecting you
- C hitting you
- D hitting on you
8) You notice some people aren’t paying when they get their drinks. Why not?
- A They are friends of the bartender.
- B They’re running a tab.
- C They’re police officers, so they always get free drinks.
- D They’re eighty-sixing the bartender.
9) You really want a cigarette, but you don’t have any. You notice someone near you is smoking. What do you say?
- A “Excuse me, do you have a cigarette for me?”
- B “Excuse me, can I borrow a cigarette?”
- C “Excuse me, can I bum a smoke?”
- D “Excuse me, give me a cigarette please.”
10) Your American friend gives you a dollar for the jukebox. What is it for?
- A a very cheap drink
- B the bathroom
- C music
- D cigarettes
11) Your American friend has bought drinks for everyone at your table. What has he or she just done?
- A bought round
- B bought the farm
- C left a tip
- D bought a round
12) You decide to get the next round. Your friend offers to give you money. You say,
- A “No, you got the last round. It’s on me.”
- B “Okay, thanks.”
- C “No, I can pay. I’m rich.”
- D “No, I don’t want.”
13) The next time you order drinks, the bartender tells you, “It’s on the house.” What does he or she mean?
- A He or she is running a tab for you.
- B You don’t have to pay for this round.
- C He or she spilled the drinks.
- D You have to go upstairs to get your drinks.
14) The people at the next table have had way too much to drink and are starting to fight. A big guy who works at the bar throws them out and tells them they can NEVER return. What just happened?
- A The bouncer carded them.
- B The bouncer eighty-sixed them.
- C The bouncer bought them a round.
- D The bouncer hit on them.
15) The bar is getting ready to close. It’s your last chance to buy drinks. What does the bartender yell?
- A “Go home, you drunks!”
- B “Last round!”
- C “Final call!”
- D “Last call!”