bottle-o
noun · casual
A bottle shop, the shop that sells alcohol.
How Aussies use it
- I'll stop at the bottle-o on the way home.
- Is the bottle-o still open?
How to pronounce ‘bottle-o’
Say it like this: BOT-ul-oh
‘bottle-o’ in a conversation
Ben: I'll stop at the bottle-o on the way.
Kate: Grab some soft drinks too, thanks.
Good to know
Supermarkets in most states can't sell alcohol on the same shelves, so separate bottle shops are common.
A common mistake
In most states, alcohol isn't sold on supermarket shelves; you buy it at a bottle-o, often next to the supermarket or attached to a pub.
Saying it more formally
In a formal email, essay or the PTE test, use bottle shop instead.
Slang is great for chatting with friends and workmates, but keep it out of PTE essays and formal writing.
Quick check
What does ‘bottle-o’ mean?
- Sick or unwell. Can also mean broken or not working well.
- A bottle shop, the shop that sells alcohol.
- Hello, good day.
Show the answer
B. A bottle shop, the shop that sells alcohol.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'bottle-o' mean in Australia?
A bottle shop, the shop that sells alcohol. Supermarkets in most states can't sell alcohol on the same shelves, so separate bottle shops are common.
Can I say 'bottle-o' at work?
With workmates, yes. 'bottle-o' is fine in a chat at smoko or a casual message, but don't use it with clients, in formal emails, or in the PTE and IELTS writing tests.
How do you pronounce 'bottle-o'?
Say it like this: BOT-ul-oh. Press 'Hear it' on this page to listen.