the.com/libation

a drink poured for the gods, conveniently leaving plenty for the living

means A drink, especially an alcoholic one, poured out as an offering to a god — or, more loosely and often jokingly, simply a drink one enjoys.

from From Latin 'libatio,' the act of pouring out, from the verb 'libare,' to taste, sip, or pour as an offering. The Romans (and Greeks before them, with their own rites) would tip a little wine onto the ground or altar for the gods — a literal sip for the divine. The English word arrived in the late Middle Ages still wearing its religious robes, but over time the sacred sense loosened until 'libation' could wink at any glass raised in good company.

ancient ritual
Greeks and Romans tipped wine to honor the dead
first pour
hip-hop revived it by spilling for fallen friends
language drift
now just a fancy word for any cocktail
global habit
Africa, Asia, Europe all poured for spirits
the.com · every word