Literary notes about swig (AI summary)
In literature, the word "swig" is frequently used to evoke a vivid, often cavalier, act of drinking that illuminates a character's mood or situation. Authors deploy it to signal a quick, hearty gulp of a beverage—from a flask of cognac as in [1], to a restorative measure to ease a burning throat as seen in [2]. The informal, almost ritualistic quality of taking a swig is further underscored in works like Huck Finn’s adventures in [3] and Joyce’s portrayal of the final sip in [4]. This term lends a sense of spontaneity and unceremoniousness to drinking scenes, encapsulating both the physical act and the underlying personality of the drinker.
- Instead, however, of jumping at the chance, he took a swig at a flask of cognac.
— from The Magnificent Montez: From Courtesan to Convert by Horace Wyndham - The sound of running water was near; he went to the creek and bathed his throat, easing its burning with a deep swig.
— from The Flockmaster of Poison Creek by George W. (George Washington) Ogden - While I was cooking supper the old man took a swig or two and got sort of warmed up, and went to ripping again.
— from Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain - And he took the last swig out of the pint.
— from Ulysses by James Joyce
