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!”
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