nightcap
NYT-kap
/ˈnaɪtkæp/
An alcoholic drink taken right before going to bed; historically, a warm cloth cap worn on the head in bed.
Today, 'nightcap' almost always refers to the drink rather than the headwear, though the drink is intended to mimic the warming effect of the original cap.
The story behind the word. In the days before central heating, people wore literal fabric caps to bed to keep their heads warm and prevent drafts. By the 18th century, people began jokingly referring to a warm, alcoholic drink taken before bed—which also warmed the body—as a 'nightcap'. Eventually, the drink became more common than the hat.
Word relationships
- sleep aid: A 'sleep aid' is a medical or pharmacological substance, whereas a 'nightcap' is specifically a social or personal alcoholic drink.
Commonly confused with
- nightgown: A 'nightgown' is a loose dress worn for sleeping, whereas a 'nightcap' is either a drink or a head covering.
Collocations
- pour a nightcap
- evening nightcap
- traditional nightcap
Example sentences
- "Before we retire for the evening, would anyone care for a small nightcap of brandy?" An evening hospitality offer.
- "He poured himself a nightcap, hoping the whiskey would quiet his nerves and help him sleep." From a classic mystery novel.
Memory hook
Imagine putting a tiny 'cap' on your night (capping off the day) with a warm, soothing drink. Cap off the night with a nightcap.
When not to use
Do not use 'nightcap' to describe a non-alcoholic beverage like chamomile tea, unless speaking humorously or figuratively.
Fun facts
- While a nightcap of alcohol might make you fall asleep faster, modern sleep science shows that alcohol actually disrupts REM sleep, leading to poorer sleep quality.
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