nip

A "nip" is often something small, quick, or sharp. It can mean a quick bite, like a playful bite from a puppy, or a sharp feeling of cold in the air. It can also mean a small amount of alcohol, as in "a nip of whiskey." In British and similar English, it can also mean going somewhere quickly for a short time, like nipping to the store. You also hear it in "nip something in the bud," which means stopping a problem early.

The word "nip" has a wide range of meanings, and most of them suggest something small, quick, or sharp. A common meaning is a small, sharp bite, like when a puppy playfully nips at your heels. This sense is still common today: "The dog gave my ankle a gentle nip." It can also refer to a sharp sting or a touch of cold weather: "There was a clear nip in the air this morning," which suggests the arrival of fall.

Beyond physical sensations, "nip" is also often used for a small amount of alcohol, such as "a nip of brandy." In British and Commonwealth English, to "nip" somewhere means to go there quickly and briefly: "She nipped to the shops to pick up a few things."

The word also appears in the common idiom "to nip something in the bud." This means to stop a problem at an early stage before it has the chance to grow. Whether you are talking about a playful bite, a cold breeze, a small drink, a quick trip, or stopping trouble early, "nip" carries a sense of smallness, speed, and a slight sharpness.