a tot of vodka

[black_velvet]

Would you rather say 'a tot of vodka' or just 'a litlle vodka'?

E.g. follow the dish with a tot of/a little vodka

Which phrase sounds better in English?

Thanks in advance.

[BobK]

Would you rather say 'a tot of vodka' or just 'a litlle vodka'?

E.g. follow the dish with a tot of/a little vodka

Which phrase sounds better in English?

Thanks in advance.

It depends on the context. 'A tot of vodka' makes it sound like a measurement, as a tot is a small vessel for measuring (unlike a glass). Also, for some reason, I think of 'a tot' as collocating with 'of rum' rather than 'of vodka'.

In informal contexts, you could say 'a slug of ...' (although there I'd expect Scotch). Perhaps a shot would be best; go here shot: Definition, Synonyms and Much More from Answers.com and scroll down to the 14th definition. . Or 'a drop of vodka'. There really are a lot of options, and even as a native speaker I find it hard to work out which is most appropriate. Sorry

b

[black_velvet]

. Or 'a drop of vodka'. There really are a lot of options, and even as a native speaker I find it hard to work out which is most appropriate. Sorry

Well, but then vodka is not your national drink. Why should you bother?

And if I need to say 'pour him.. a tot? vodka'

[BobK]

...
And if I need to say 'pour him.. a tot ? vodka'

There I think I'd just say 'pour/give him another drink'. If the only bottle on the table is vodka, then there's no need to specify; and even if there's a range of possible drinks it would be understood that the drinker wanted more of the same. It would be up to the drinker, if he wanted, to ask for something else - e.g. 'Just lemonade this time please - I'm driving'.

b

[black_velvet]

There I think I'd just say 'pour/give him another drink'. If the only bottle on the table is vodka, then there's no need to specify; and even if there's a range of possible drinks it would be understood that the drinker wanted more of the same. It would be up to the drinker, if he wanted, to ask for something else - e.g. 'Just lemonade this time please - I'm driving'.

b

Thank you.

[MrPedantic]

For me, "a tot of vodka" would have faintly humorous or at least whimsical overtones.

MrP