What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
alcoholic
Example
He struggled with being an alcoholic for many years. [alcoholic: noun]
Example
I enjoy drinking alcoholic beverages with my friends on the weekends. [alcoholic: adjective]
Example
Let's go to the new bar downtown and try some of their specialty alcoholic drinks. [alcoholic: adjective]
wino
Example
The old man on the corner is a wino who spends all his money on cheap wine. [wino: noun]
Example
I wouldn't drink that wine if I were you, it's just a cheap wino brand. [wino: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Alcoholic is a more common and widely used term than wino. Alcoholic is a clinical term that is used in medical and psychological contexts, as well as in everyday language to describe people who struggle with alcohol addiction. Wino, on the other hand, is a more informal and less common term that is often associated with negative stereotypes and homelessness.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between alcoholic and wino?
Alcoholic is a more formal term that can be used in professional and academic contexts, while wino is a more informal and colloquial term that is typically used in casual conversation or in a derogatory manner.
