B2 noun Informal

bubbly

/ˈbʌbli/

A colloquial and informal term used to refer to champagne or other types of sparkling wine. It is characterized by its carbonation and is almost exclusively used in the context of celebrations and social gatherings.

Examples

3 of 5
1

We bought a few bottles of bubbly for the New Year's Eve party.

We bought a few bottles of champagne/sparkling wine for the New Year's Eve party.

2

At the conclusion of the ceremony, guests were served a glass of chilled bubbly.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, guests were served a glass of chilled champagne.

3

Hey, let's crack open the bubbly and celebrate your new job!

Hey, let's open the champagne and celebrate your new job!

Word Family

Noun
bubbly
Verb
bubble
Adverb
bubblily
Adjective
bubbly
Related
bubble
💡

Memory Tip

Think of the physical 'bubbles' that rise in a glass of champagne; the drink is named after its most obvious feature.

Quick Quiz

After the promotion was announced, the team decided to open a bottle of _____.

Correct!

The correct answer is: bubbly

Examples

1

We bought a few bottles of bubbly for the New Year's Eve party.

everyday

We bought a few bottles of champagne/sparkling wine for the New Year's Eve party.

2

At the conclusion of the ceremony, guests were served a glass of chilled bubbly.

formal

At the conclusion of the ceremony, guests were served a glass of chilled champagne.

3

Hey, let's crack open the bubbly and celebrate your new job!

informal

Hey, let's open the champagne and celebrate your new job!

4

Sociological studies indicate that the consumption of 'bubbly' remains a primary signifier of middle-class celebration.

academic

Sociological studies indicate that the consumption of 'bubbly' remains a primary signifier of middle-class celebration.

5

The firm ordered premium bubbly to mark the successful merger during the corporate gala.

business

The firm ordered premium sparkling wine to mark the successful merger during the corporate gala.

Word Family

Noun
bubbly
Verb
bubble
Adverb
bubblily
Adjective
bubbly
Related
bubble

Common Collocations

a glass of bubbly a glass of champagne
pour the bubbly pour the sparkling wine
chilled bubbly cold champagne
celebratory bubbly champagne used for celebration
crack open the bubbly open a bottle of champagne

Common Phrases

crack open the bubbly

To open a bottle of sparkling wine to celebrate.

pass the bubbly

A request to share the champagne.

on the bubbly

In the process of drinking champagne or sparkling wine.

Often Confused With

bubbly vs bubble

A 'bubble' is a single sphere of gas, while 'bubbly' as a noun is the drink itself.

bubbly vs bubbling

'Bubbling' is the present participle of the verb 'to bubble', describing the physical action of forming bubbles.

📝

Usage Notes

While 'bubbly' is very common as an adjective to describe a cheerful personality, as a noun, it specifically refers to sparkling wine in British and Australian English particularly.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'bubbly' in formal writing where 'champagne' or 'sparkling wine' would be more appropriate for the register.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the physical 'bubbles' that rise in a glass of champagne; the drink is named after its most obvious feature.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the noun 'bubble' (Middle English 'bubbel'), applied as a colloquialism for champagne in the early 20th century.

Grammar Patterns

Used as an uncountable noun when referring to the liquid (some bubbly) Can be used as a countable noun when referring to a bottle or glass (a bubbly) The plural 'bubblies' is rare and usually replaced by 'bottles of bubbly'
🌍

Cultural Context

In many English-speaking cultures, serving bubbly is the standard way to mark a significant milestone like a wedding or a promotion.

Quick Quiz

After the promotion was announced, the team decided to open a bottle of _____.

Correct!

The correct answer is: bubbly

Related Words

consequent

C2

In logic and philosophy, a consequent is the second part of a conditional proposition, following the 'if' clause (the antecedent). It represents the result or deduction that follows necessarily or naturally from a previous statement or condition.

administrate

B2

To manage, supervise, or oversee the operations and activities of an organization, program, or system. It involves the practical execution of policies and the organization of resources to achieve specific goals.

administrative

C1

Relating to the organization and management of a business, institution, or government. It describes the practical tasks, systems, and procedures required to keep an entity running efficiently behind the scenes.

assistant

C2

A person who ranks below a senior professional and aids them in their duties, often handling specialized tasks or administrative burdens. In a professional or academic context, an assistant often possesses significant expertise but operates under the direction of a superior to facilitate complex operations.

commissioner

C1

A high-ranking official who is in charge of a government department, a public organization, or a professional sports league. This person is typically appointed to exercise administrative authority or to oversee a specific commission or set of regulations.

conclusion

C2

A final judgment, decision, or opinion reached by reasoning after considering all evidence and facts. It also refers to the final part of a piece of writing or a speech that summarizes the main points and provides a closing statement.

consume

C1

To consume means to use up a resource, such as energy, time, or goods, or to eat and drink something. In academic contexts, it often refers to the utilization of information, products, or services by individuals or groups within an economy or social system.

consumer

B2

A consumer is a person who purchases goods and services for personal use rather than for resale or business purposes. In a broader biological or ecological context, it refers to any organism that feeds on other organisms or organic matter.

equation

C1

A mathematical statement asserting the equality of two expressions, typically involving variables. Metaphorically, it refers to a complex situation where multiple factors must be balanced or considered together to achieve a result.

distinct

C1

Recognizably different in nature from something else of a similar type. It also describes something that is clearly perceived, easy to notice, or definitely existing.

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