sharp'ner
imagine this word in a thick british accent (pronounced shop' nuh). i learned the other day what this little (british) english word means.
part of my job involves going to "kick-offs," in which a supplier either introduces a new product or re-launches (re-markets) an existing one. the last such kick-off was hosted by the supplier that represents malibu rum, kahlua, and beefeater gin (among others). malibu and kahlua both introduced new flavors (banana, and french vanilla and hazelnut respectively), and beefeater has a new package.
beefeater's new marketing plan includes a change in target market: they are going after a younger crowd. one of their marketing gems is this "sharp'ner." so what is it?
everyone is familiar with the "happy hour." well, apparently in england, they are way bigger commitment phobes than we are, and instead of committing to an entire "hour" somewhere (not that all of us americans literally do this), the brits do more of a bar hop/pub crawl thing, and stay at each place for one drink or so, a "sharp'ner" (dovie and heather, can you confirm?); at least this is what the marketing ploy is. so the supplier is spending tons of money on this "sharp'ner" theme.
i'm intrigued, and it should be really interesting to see if this catches on.
posted by paige @ 2:02 AM
4 Comments:
Um...yeah...so...everyone I've asked here has said "the name for the drink you have at each pub along the way on a crawl is called a PINT!"
They have offered that a "livener" is the name of the first drink of the night when you're out for a "bender", but all the drinkers have looked at me funny when I've asked about a "sharp'ner".
niiiice...so exactly as i thought: marketing ploy! well apologize to the brits on behalf of your american friend in the liquor biz.
The following is taken from a London pub website:
Coach & Horses
This is a wine pub (2) with a pretty good selection by the glass, but take time to look at the glass-fronted beer engines, which are branded (gold on green) with the pub’s name.
Best drink Australian cabernet shiraz, £3.
When to go Nip in for a mid-evening sharpener, but remember Tuesday night is comedy night.
Best seat Sit in the corner beneath the strange mirrored cupboard (is there a TV inside? A severed head?), so you don’t have to look at it.
Best snack Nachos to share (£6.25).
1 Great Marlborough St, W1 (020 7437 3282).
It's not a phrase I've ever heard of though!
it is more of a kind of niche slang term - used by some Londoners.....and I should know because I am both English and from London!
A pint is when you meet for a beer! A sharpener is the post work pep up....gets you ready for either dinner or partying....
Post a Comment
<< Home