cuppa

Everyday

1. (informal, UK/Australia/NZ/Ireland) A cup of tea. tree →
2. (informal, less often) A cup of any hot drink, such as coffee. tree →

In the lessons

Very common in everyday British, Irish, Australian and New Zealand speech: adults offer visitors a cuppa, and «putting the kettle on» is a way to welcome and comfort people. In stories it shows a cosy, friendly or calm moment, or comfort after bad news. Phrases: «fancy a cuppa?», «put the kettle on for a cuppa», «a nice cuppa», «a cuppa and a biscuit». Safety: kettles and hot tea can burn — children should ask an adult.

Examples

• Fancy a cuppa? I'll put the kettle on. tree →
• Nan sat down with a cuppa and a biscuit. tree →
• After the long walk, everyone wanted a hot cuppa. tree →
• Mum always makes a cuppa when she's had bad news. tree →
• Let's have a quick cuppa before we leave. tree →
• The builders stopped for a cuppa at ten. tree →
• Grandad's idea of breakfast is toast and a strong cuppa. tree →

Note

Informal: fine in speech and stories, not in formal writing. It comes from «cup of» said quickly. Countable: «two cuppas». In the US people rarely say it; Americans say «a cup of coffee». Spelling: double P.