Lena Savoie
There are various vessels used to carry around alcohol, with the most well-known being the hip flask. The hip flask is a thin, portable container designed to hold liquor and its history can be traced back to the 18th century when it was used by members of the gentry. The term flask also applies to the smallest bottle sizes of alcohol in commercial markets. Other vessels used to carry around alcohol include water bottles, tumblers, bags, and bracelets.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Hip flask |
| Description | A thin flask for holding liquor |
| History | The first true pocket flasks appeared at the beginning of the 18th century, and were generally shaped like a flattened egg, something that could be easily slipped in and out of pockets. The term hip flask was contracted from "hip pocket flask" around 1920. |
| Materials | Hip flasks were traditionally made of pewter, silver, or glass, though most modern flasks are made from stainless steel. Some modern flasks are made of plastic so as to avoid detection by metal detectors. |
| Design | Hip flasks can vary in shape, although they are usually contoured to match the curve of the wearer's hip or thigh for comfort and discretion in a design also known as a kidney flask. Some flasks have a "captive top", which is a small arm that attaches the top to the flask to prevent it from getting lost. |
| Use | Hip flasks are purchased empty and filled by the owner. The liquid is usually consumed directly from the flask, although some flasks come with small cups to make sharing easier. |
| Considerations | Hip flasks are not suitable for lower-alcohol beverages such as beer or wine, cocktails, cream liqueurs, or citrus-based liquids as they will deteriorate or mix badly with the flask material. |
| Advice | It is not considered gentlemanly to carry a flask with the intent to get drunk or to save money on drinks in bars or restaurants. |
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What You'll Learn
Hip flasks are thin, concealable containers for alcohol
The history of the hip flask can be traced back to the 18th century, when liquor came into fashion. Initially, flasks were identified by their contents, such as brandy or whisky. With the advent of pockets, these containers evolved into pocket flasks, eventually earning the moniker hip flask around 1920. During the prohibition era in the United States, hip flasks gained popularity as a means to circumvent alcohol restrictions, leading to a wave of creative slang terms to describe them.
The hip flask has been a part of various cultural traditions, including Christian pilgrims who used "Pilgrim flasks" to carry sacred water or oil. The design and materials of hip flasks have evolved over time, with some traditional flasks made of pewter, silver, or glass, and modern versions crafted from stainless steel or plastic. The choice of material may depend on the desired level of discretion, as plastic flasks can avoid detection by metal detectors.
Hip flasks are often associated with style and considered a fashionable accessory. They are commonly purchased empty and then filled by the owner, who can choose their preferred type of liquor. Some hip flasks even come with small cups to facilitate sharing, although it is common to consume the liquid directly from the flask.
While hip flasks offer convenience and style, there are social norms and etiquette to consider when using them. It is generally considered impolite to bring a hip flask to a bar or restaurant, as it implies an intention to bypass purchasing drinks from the establishment. Additionally, discretion and respect should be exercised when deciding where and when to use a hip flask, as there may be certain situations where carrying and consuming alcohol from a flask is inappropriate or disrespectful.
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They are usually contoured to match the wearer's hip or thigh
The hip flask is a vessel for holding liquor, designed to fit close to the body. Hip flasks are usually thin and made from stainless steel, although they can also be made from plastic or glass. They are often carried in pockets, and their compact size makes them easy to conceal.
Hip flasks are typically designed with a curved shape, mirroring the wearer's hip or thigh. This contouring serves two main purposes: comfort and discretion. The curved design, also known as a kidney flask, ensures the flask sits snugly against the body, providing a comfortable carrying experience. Moreover, the discreet nature of the design allows individuals to carry their liquor inconspicuously. This aspect of discretion has been a significant factor in the hip flask's popularity, especially during the era of prohibition in the 1920s.
The history of the hip flask can be traced back to the 18th century, when liquor became fashionable. Initially, flasks were often identified by their contents, with names like "brandy flask" or "whisky flask". Over time, as pockets became commonplace, the term ""pocket flask" emerged, eventually evolving into the more specific "hip flask" in the early 20th century.
The design and functionality of the hip flask have made it a popular choice for those wishing to carry alcoholic beverages discreetly. Its compact size, ease of portability, and stylish appeal have contributed to its enduring presence in popular culture.
It is worth noting that the social acceptability of using a hip flask varies. While it may be suitable to bring a hip flask to a wedding party or a friend's house, carrying one with the sole intention of getting drunk or using it to avoid purchasing drinks at bars or restaurants is generally considered impolite. Additionally, there are certain situations where carrying and consuming alcohol from a flask may be inappropriate, such as religious services, funerals, or government buildings.
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They are often made from stainless steel, silver or glass
The hip flask is a vessel for holding liquor. It is usually made from stainless steel, silver, or glass, though some are made of plastic to avoid detection by metal detectors. The hip flask was first recognised in the 18th century, initially used by members of the gentry. Less compact versions had been in production for several centuries. For example, in the Middle Ages, there are accounts of liquor being stored in gutted fruit and pig's bladders. The first true pocket flasks appeared at the beginning of the 18th century, shaped like flattened eggs to fit into pockets.
Hip flasks are typically purchased empty and filled by the owner, though the term "flask" also applies to the smallest bottle sizes of alcohol in commercial markets. They are usually contoured to match the curve of the wearer's hip or thigh for comfort and discretion. Some hip flasks have a "captive top", a small arm that attaches the top to the flask to prevent loss. The contents of a hip flask are usually consumed directly from the vessel, although some come with small cups to facilitate sharing.
Hip flasks are often associated with negative connotations and are generally considered socially unacceptable. They are depicted on TV as being used by characters who are drunk or disrespectful of social norms. However, they remain popular, especially during the era of prohibition in the United States. Indiana, for instance, banned the sale of cocktail shakers and hip flasks following the act of prohibition in the 1920s.
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Hip flasks are popular for discreet drinking at events
Hip flasks are indeed popular for discreet drinking at events. The use of hip flasks dates back to the 18th century, when they were used by the gentry and members of British warships to smuggle alcohol. During the Prohibition era in the US, hip flasks became even more popular as a way to discreetly carry alcohol when drinking in public was illegal.
Today, hip flasks are still commonly used for discreet drinking at events such as weddings, concerts, festivals, and other outdoor gatherings. They are designed to be flat and curved, allowing them to fit comfortably in pockets, belts, waistbands, or even kilts. This makes them ideal for events where carrying a full bottle would be impractical or prohibited.
When using a hip flask at formal events, it is important to consider the type of flask and its contents. For black-tie events, a high-quality spirit such as single malt Scotch, smooth bourbon, or classic cognac is recommended. The flask itself should be discreet, elegant, and made from high-quality materials like pewter or polished stainless steel. It is also important to be mindful of local laws and venue policies regarding outside alcohol and public consumption.
Hip flasks have evolved over time, transitioning from crude leather or wooden containers to the sleek, metallic designs of today. They have become a symbol of sophistication, adventure, and a touch of rebelliousness, adding a vintage charm to any occasion.
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They are lightweight, portable and convenient for outdoor activities
The hip flask is a lightweight, portable, and convenient vessel for carrying alcohol, especially during outdoor activities. It is designed to be slim and curved to fit the wearer's hip or thigh comfortably and discreetly. Hip flasks are usually made of stainless steel, although some are made of plastic to avoid detection by metal detectors. They are typically purchased empty and filled by the owner, although the term "flask" also applies to the smallest bottle sizes of alcohol in commercial markets.
The history of the hip flask can be traced back to the 18th century, when liquor came into fashion. Initially, flasks were identified by their contents, such as brandy or whisky. However, with the advent of pockets, they evolved into "pocket flasks" and eventually contracted to "hip flasks" around 1920. During World War II, RAF flyers referred to their service revolvers as hip flasks, adding a layer of slang to the term.
The convenience and portability of hip flasks make them ideal for outdoor activities. They are easy to carry and allow individuals to have a drink whenever they want. Additionally, their compact size makes them more discreet than carrying a full bottle of liquor, reducing the stigma associated with drinking in public.
However, it is important to note that there are social norms and etiquette associated with using hip flasks. While they can be convenient for private events or outdoor activities, carrying a flask with the sole intent to get drunk is generally frowned upon. Additionally, it is considered rude to bring a flask to bars or restaurants as it may be seen as an attempt to avoid purchasing drinks.
Beyond hip flasks, there are other modern alternatives for carrying drinks during outdoor activities. These include tumblers from brands like S'well, Corkcicle, Yeti, MiiR, Hydro Flask, and Contigo. Some of these tumblers are designed to prevent spills and keep drinks cold, making them convenient for outdoor use. Additionally, creative options like a bracelet that holds liquor or a beach bag that dispenses wine offer unique ways to carry drinks inconspicuously.
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Frequently asked questions
The most common term for a container that helps carry around alcohol is a "flask", specifically a "hip flask".
Hip flasks were traditionally made of pewter, silver, or glass. Most modern flasks are made from stainless steel, while some are made from plastic to avoid detection by metal detectors.
As a semi-secret and often stigmatised vessel for carrying alcohol, a battery of slang terms has been used to describe the hip flask, including "hipper", "travel bottle", "pocket rocket", "batwing", "mini", "betty", "rum-skin", "black-jack", "jingleboy", "a-bit-on-the-hip", "mickey", "monkey", and "pocket pistol".
Other ways to carry around alcohol include using a water bottle, tumbler, coffee tumbler, or a bag that dispenses wine.
