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B1 Noun #31 le plus courant 16 min de lecture

guinnesses

The plural form of Guinness, referring to multiple individual servings or pints of the famous Irish dry stout. It is primarily used in social settings like pubs when ordering or discussing more than one glass of the beverage.

Top 31

At the A1 level, you are learning the very basics of English. The word 'Guinnesses' is the plural of 'Guinness,' which is a famous Irish beer. You use this word when you want to talk about more than one glass of this beer. For example, if you are at a restaurant with a friend and you both want this beer, you can say, 'Two Guinnesses, please.' It is like saying 'two coffees' or 'two teas.' You don't need to worry about the complicated history of the beer yet. Just remember that if you see the name 'Guinness' and you want to talk about many of them, you add '-es' at the end. It is a special name, so we usually write it with a big 'G'. This word is helpful if you are traveling to a place like Ireland or London and you want to order drinks for your family or friends. It is a simple way to count the drinks you want to buy.

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At the A2 level, you can use 'Guinnesses' to describe simple social situations. You understand that 'Guinness' is a brand of beer and that 'Guinnesses' refers to individual servings, like pints or bottles. You might use this word when talking about your weekend or a party. For example, 'We had three Guinnesses at the pub last night.' You are starting to see how mass nouns (things you can't usually count, like water or beer) can become countable when we talk about servings. This is a common pattern in English for drinks. You should also know that 'Guinnesses' is a very specific word. If you are drinking a different kind of beer, you wouldn't use it. It's only for this one famous Irish brand. Using this word correctly shows that you are becoming more familiar with common English vocabulary used in social life and hospitality.

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At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'Guinnesses' in a variety of everyday contexts. You understand that it is the plural form of a proper noun used as a count noun. This is particularly useful in the 'pub culture' of English-speaking countries. You can use it to order a 'round' of drinks or to describe a scene in a story. You also recognize that while 'Guinness' is the general name for the stout, 'Guinnesses' specifically means the individual glasses or cans. You might notice that people use this word to be more efficient when speaking. Instead of saying 'three pints of Guinness,' which is quite long, they just say 'three Guinnesses.' You should also be aware of the spelling, especially the double 'n' and the '-es' ending. At this level, you can also start to use the word in more descriptive sentences, like 'The Guinnesses were poured perfectly,' showing you understand the importance of how this specific beer is served.

At the B2 level, you understand the cultural and linguistic nuances of the word 'Guinnesses.' You recognize it as a metonym where the brand name stands for the product unit. You are aware of the 'two-part pour' tradition associated with the drink and how this might affect the context in which the word is used (e.g., the time it takes to serve 'four Guinnesses'). You can use the word fluently in discussions about Irish culture, travel, or the hospitality industry. You also know the difference between the plural 'Guinnesses' and the possessive 'Guinness's,' and you can use them correctly in writing. You might use the word in more complex sentence structures, such as 'Despite the variety of local craft beers available, the Guinnesses remained the most popular choice among the tourists.' This shows you can use the word to make comparisons and express preferences within a specific category of beverages.

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At the C1 level, you have a sophisticated grasp of how 'Guinnesses' functions within the English language. You understand the socio-linguistic implications of using a brand name as a countable plural, noting how it reflects a deep-seated cultural familiarity. You can use the word in nuanced ways, perhaps discussing the global marketing of the brand or the technical differences between 'Guinnesses' produced in different regions (like the higher alcohol content in Foreign Extra Stout). You are also aware of the idiomatic alternatives, such as 'pints of the black stuff,' and you know when to choose 'Guinnesses' over these alternatives based on the desired tone and register. Your writing and speech reflect an understanding of the word's status as a cultural icon, and you can use it effectively in descriptive, analytical, or narrative contexts to evoke a specific atmosphere or to make a precise point about consumption patterns or social behavior.

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At the C2 level, you master the use of 'Guinnesses' as both a linguistic and cultural marker. You can analyze the word's role in the genericization of trademarks and its function as a countified mass noun in service-industry jargon. You are capable of using the word in highly specialized contexts, such as a sociological study of pub culture or a marketing analysis of brand loyalty. You understand the historical evolution of the name from a family surname to a global symbol of Irish identity. Your use of 'Guinnesses' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, showing perfect control over its grammatical properties and its social connotations. You can effortlessly switch between the plural brand name and more formal constructions like 'servings of the eponymous stout,' depending on the communicative goal. The word becomes a tool for precise, culturally-attuned expression in your extensive vocabulary.

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Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

guinnesses en 30 secondes

Guinnesses is the plural form of the famous Irish stout brand, used to count individual servings like pints or bottles in social and commercial settings.
It is a proper noun used as a countable noun, which is a common linguistic shortcut in English for ordering drinks at a bar or restaurant.
The word is deeply tied to Irish culture and the specific ritual of pouring the beer, often appearing in contexts involving pubs and social gatherings.
Correct usage requires capitalization and an understanding of when to use the plural form versus the general mass noun 'Guinness' for the beer itself.

The term guinnesses represents a fascinating linguistic phenomenon where a proper noun, specifically a brand name for a world-renowned Irish dry stout, is transformed into a countable noun to facilitate social interaction and commercial transactions. While 'Guinness' is fundamentally an uncountable mass noun referring to the dark, nitrogenated beer produced by the brewery founded by Arthur Guinness in 1759, the pluralized form guinnesses is frequently employed in the context of a pub or restaurant. When a patron orders 'three Guinnesses,' they are using a metonymic shorthand where the brand name stands in for the specific unit of measure, which is typically a pint or a bottle. This usage is common in Ireland, the United Kingdom, and across the global Irish diaspora, reflecting a level of comfort and familiarity with the product that transcends formal grammatical rules. The word evokes the specific sensory experience of the beverage: the deep ruby-red color that appears black, the thick and creamy white head, and the distinctively smooth mouthfeel resulting from the use of nitrogen rather than carbon dioxide. In social settings, the pluralization often occurs during the 'round' system, where one person purchases drinks for the entire group. Discussing guinnesses also implies an understanding of the 'two-part pour' ritual, a process that takes exactly 119.5 seconds to complete. This wait time is a crucial part of the cultural identity of the drink, and ordering multiple guinnesses requires a certain level of patience from both the customer and the bartender. The term is rarely used in academic or technical brewing contexts, where one might instead refer to 'pints of stout' or 'units of Guinness,' but in the vibrant, noisy atmosphere of a traditional pub, it is the standard way to quantify the beverage.

Linguistic Category: Plural Proper Noun (Countable usage of a mass noun)

After the long hike, the group settled into the corner booth and ordered four guinnesses to celebrate their achievement.

Furthermore, the use of guinnesses highlights the transition of a specific brand into a genericized or semi-genericized term within the stout category. While there are many other stouts available, such as Murphy's or Beamish, the dominance of Guinness in the market often leads people to use the pluralized brand name as a synonym for the drink itself. This is particularly evident during major cultural events like Saint Patrick's Day, where millions of guinnesses are consumed globally in a single day. The word also carries a certain weight of tradition; it is not just about the liquid, but about the community and the shared experience of 'having a few guinnesses' with friends. From a grammatical perspective, the addition of the '-es' suffix follows the standard rule for nouns ending in a sibilant sound, making it a regular plural despite its origin as a proper name. This ease of pluralization contributes to its widespread adoption in everyday speech.

Social Context: Primarily used in informal social gatherings, hospitality environments, and casual storytelling.

The bartender lined up six glasses, preparing to pour the guinnesses in two stages as tradition dictates.

In addition to its use in pubs, the word guinnesses can appear in retail contexts, such as when someone is purchasing multiple cans or bottles from a store. 'I picked up a six-pack of Guinnesses for the party' is a perfectly natural sentence. This versatility across different modes of consumption—draught, bottle, and can—reinforces the word's utility in the English language. It is a word that bridges the gap between a corporate trademark and a cultural icon, allowing speakers to quantify their enjoyment of a specific tradition. The term also appears in literature and film that seeks to capture the authentic atmosphere of Irish life, serving as a linguistic marker of setting and character. By using the plural, the speaker acknowledges the beer not just as a substance, but as a series of individual, enjoyable moments shared with others.

He reminisced about the nights spent in Dublin, where the guinnesses seemed to taste better than anywhere else in the world.

Cultural Nuance: Using the plural form correctly signals a familiarity with pub culture and the specific etiquette of ordering drinks in rounds.

The table was cluttered with empty glasses, evidence of the many guinnesses enjoyed throughout the evening.

Whenever they meet, they always start with two guinnesses and a long conversation about the old days.

Using the word guinnesses correctly involves understanding its role as a count noun derived from a proper noun. In most cases, it is used to specify a quantity of individual servings. For example, when you are at a bar, you might say, 'I'll have two guinnesses and a cider.' This sentence structure is efficient and clear. It is important to note that the word should almost always be capitalized as 'Guinnesses' because it refers to a specific brand, although in very casual digital communication, people might use lowercase. In formal writing, however, maintaining the capital 'G' is essential to respect the trademark and the noun's origin. Another common way to use the word is when describing a collective experience or a total count over time. For instance, 'Over the course of the weekend, we probably drank a dozen guinnesses between us.' Here, the word helps to quantify the consumption in a way that 'Guinness' alone could not easily do without additional words like 'pints' or 'glasses.'

Ordering Protocol: Use the plural form when specifying the number of drinks to a server or bartender.

'That will be three guinnesses,' the barman said, as he began the first pour for each glass.

The word also fits well into comparative sentences. You might compare the quality of the beverage in different locations by saying, 'The guinnesses served at the brewery are noticeably fresher than those found in bottled form.' This usage treats each serving as an individual unit of comparison. Additionally, guinnesses can be used in the context of hospitality and hosting. 'We should make sure we have enough guinnesses in the fridge for the guests tonight.' In this scenario, the word refers to the individual cans or bottles. It is also worth considering the negative or interrogative forms. 'Are there any guinnesses left?' or 'We don't need any more guinnesses for now.' These variations show how the word functions just like any other plural count noun in English grammar, despite its unique status as a brand name.

Comparative Usage: Use the plural to compare multiple servings or different instances of the drink.

She noted that the guinnesses in London often lacked the creamy texture of those served in Cork.

Another interesting application of guinnesses is in descriptive narratives. For example, 'The tray was heavy with five guinnesses, their dark bodies contrasting with the bright lights of the pub.' This creates a vivid image for the reader. It is also used in the context of records or statistics. 'The pub set a record by pouring over five hundred guinnesses in a single afternoon.' Here, the plural form is essential for expressing the large quantity. When using the word, be mindful of the possessive form, which would be 'Guinnesses'', though this is rarely needed. Usually, you are either talking about one 'Guinness' or multiple 'Guinnesses.' The simplicity of the plural form makes it a robust tool for clear communication in both spoken and written English, especially when dealing with the logistics of social drinking and the hospitality industry.

He bought a round of guinnesses for the musicians as a thank you for the wonderful session.

The festival featured various stouts, but the guinnesses remained the most popular choice by far.

After three guinnesses, he found himself much more willing to sing along with the band.

The most common place to hear the word guinnesses is undoubtedly within the walls of a pub, particularly those with an Irish theme or location. In Dublin, for instance, the word is part of the daily soundtrack of the city. You will hear it at the bar as people place their orders, at the tables as friends discuss their drinks, and even from the bartenders as they coordinate their work. It is a word that signals social cohesion and the start of a shared experience. Beyond the physical pub, you will hear guinnesses mentioned in travel documentaries and food and drink programs. Experts might discuss the differences between guinnesses brewed in different parts of the world, such as the variations found in Nigeria versus those in Ireland. This global perspective highlights the brand's reach and the way the pluralized name has traveled alongside the product itself. You might also encounter the word in podcasts or radio shows that focus on Irish culture, history, or modern life, where it serves as a shorthand for the country's most famous export.

Geographic Hotspots: Ireland, the United Kingdom, United States (especially Boston and New York), and Nigeria.

'We'll take four guinnesses and some crisps,' the customer shouted over the loud traditional music.

In the digital age, the word guinnesses is frequently seen on social media platforms. Instagram captions for photos of pints often include the word, as do Twitter threads discussing the best places to find a 'proper' pint. On YouTube, travel vloggers visiting the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin will often use the word when describing their tasting experience or showing the sheer volume of drinks being served. The word also appears in online reviews for pubs and restaurants, where customers might comment on the quality or price of the guinnesses they were served. This digital presence ensures that even those who do not frequent pubs are familiar with the term. Furthermore, in the world of sports, particularly rugby and horse racing, Guinness is a major sponsor. During these events, the word guinnesses is heard constantly in the stands and in the hospitality tents as fans celebrate their teams' victories or commiserate their losses.

Media Presence: Commonly found in travel blogs, social media captions, and sports broadcasts.

The travel vlogger showed a montage of the many guinnesses he had sampled across five different Dublin pubs.

Finally, the word guinnesses is often heard in casual conversations among friends planning a night out. 'Let's go for a few guinnesses later' is a common invitation. It is also used in the context of gift-giving and celebrations. 'I bought him a case of guinnesses for his birthday because I know it's his favorite.' In these contexts, the word represents more than just a drink; it represents a gesture of friendship and an understanding of someone's personal tastes. The word's presence in everyday speech, from the most casual invitation to the most formal sponsorship announcement, demonstrates its deep integration into the English-speaking world's cultural and social fabric. Whether it's whispered in a quiet snug or shouted in a crowded stadium, the word guinnesses is instantly recognizable and universally understood.

In the movie, the characters bonded over several guinnesses while hiding from the rain in a small coastal tavern.

The radio host joked about how many guinnesses would be poured during the upcoming festival weekend.

He told his friends that the best guinnesses he ever had were in a tiny pub in the west of Ireland.

One of the most frequent mistakes people make with the word guinnesses is failing to capitalize it. Because it is derived from the proper name of the Guinness family and the company they founded, it should always start with an uppercase 'G'. Writing 'guinnesses' in a formal or semi-formal context can appear unprofessional or careless. Another common error is using the plural form when the singular mass noun is more appropriate. For example, saying 'I love drinking guinnesses' is technically correct if you mean you love drinking individual pints, but 'I love drinking Guinness' is more natural when referring to the beer in general. It is a subtle distinction, but one that native speakers often notice. Additionally, some people mistakenly use an apostrophe before the 's' (Guinness's) when they actually mean the plural (Guinnesses). The form 'Guinness's' is possessive, as in 'Guinness's history,' whereas 'Guinnesses' is the plural for multiple drinks.

Capitalization Error: Always capitalize the 'G' in 'Guinnesses' to acknowledge its status as a proper noun.

Incorrect: We ordered three guinnesses for the table. Correct: We ordered three Guinnesses for the table.

Another mistake involves the pronunciation of the plural suffix. Some learners might try to pronounce it as 'Guinness-es' with a very sharp 's' sound, but in natural speech, the '-es' is often softened and blends into the preceding 's' sound, though it remains a distinct syllable (/ˈɡɪnɪsɪz/). Over-enunciating the ending can make the speaker sound unnatural. There is also the confusion between 'Guinness' the beer and 'Guinness World Records.' While they share the same name and origin, you would rarely use the plural guinnesses to refer to the record books; you would say 'Guinness World Records' or 'Guinness books.' Using guinnesses in that context would likely confuse your audience. Finally, in some regions, people might use 'Guinness' as its own plural (e.g., 'two Guinness please'), which is a common dialectal variation but can be seen as grammatically incorrect in standard English compared to the more explicit guinnesses.

Contextual Confusion: Ensure you are referring to the beverage and not the record-keeping organization when using the plural form.

Incorrect: He has three guinnesses in his library. Correct: He has three Guinness World Records books in his library.

A more advanced mistake is using guinnesses when referring to different types of the beer, such as 'Guinness Draught' and 'Guinness Foreign Extra Stout.' While technically they are both Guinnesses, it is more precise to refer to them as 'different varieties of Guinness' or 'different Guinness products.' Using the plural form can sometimes oversimplify the diversity of the brand's offerings. Lastly, be careful with the spelling; it is often misspelled as 'Guinesses' (missing one 'n'). The double 'n' is a key part of the brand's identity and the word's correct spelling. Paying attention to these details—capitalization, spelling, and appropriate context—will ensure that your use of the word guinnesses is both accurate and culturally appropriate.

Misspelling alert: 'Guinesses' is incorrect. Always remember the double 'n' in guinnesses.

Confusing the plural: 'I'll have two Guinness' is common in speech, but 'two guinnesses' is the standard plural form.

Avoid: 'The guinnesses head was perfect.' Use: 'The Guinness's head was perfect' (possessive) or 'The head on the guinnesses was perfect.'

When you want to avoid repeating the word guinnesses or if you need a more general term, there are several alternatives available. The most direct alternative is 'pints of Guinness.' This is more formal and technically more accurate, as it specifies the unit of measure. It is often used in writing or when placing a very clear order in a loud environment. Another common alternative is 'stouts.' Since Guinness is a type of stout, this word can be used to refer to multiple servings of it, especially if there are other brands of stout involved in the conversation. 'Porters' is another related term, although porters and stouts are technically different styles of beer, they are often grouped together in casual conversation. In a very informal setting, you might hear people refer to guinnesses as 'pints of the black stuff' or simply 'blacks.' These are colloquialisms that are widely understood in Ireland and the UK.

Pints of Guinness: A more formal and precise way to quantify the beverage, often preferred in written menus or formal requests.

Instead of saying 'three guinnesses,' you could say 'three pints of Guinness' for absolute clarity.

If you are referring to the beverage in a more general sense, you might use 'drinks' or 'beers.' For example, 'We'll have three more drinks, please.' This is less specific but works well in a variety of contexts. If you are specifically talking about the containers, you might say 'cans of Guinness' or 'bottles of Guinness.' This is useful in a retail or home setting. Another interesting alternative is 'rounds.' While a round can include any type of drink, in many Irish pubs, a 'round of guinnesses' is a standard phrase. You could also use the term 'draughts' if you are specifically referring to the beer served from a tap. Comparing guinnesses to other stouts like Murphy's or Beamish can also be helpful. You might say, 'We tried several different stouts, but the guinnesses were the best.' This allows you to use the brand name as a specific category within the broader world of beer.

Stouts: A broader category that includes Guinness but also other similar dark beers like Murphy's or Beamish.

The bar has a great selection of stouts, including three different guinnesses on tap.

Finally, consider the term 'units' in a health or scientific context. If a doctor or a researcher is discussing alcohol consumption, they would never say guinnesses; they would refer to 'units of alcohol' or 'standard drinks.' This highlights how the choice of word depends heavily on the register and the situation. In a creative writing context, you might use more evocative language, such as 'creamy dark pints' or 'velvety stouts,' to describe the guinnesses without using the brand name directly. Each of these alternatives offers a different nuance, from the precision of 'pints of Guinness' to the casual charm of 'the black stuff.' Understanding when to use each one will make your English sound more natural and sophisticated, allowing you to adapt your language to any social or professional setting.

He ordered a round of 'the black stuff' for his colleagues, and everyone knew he meant guinnesses.

The waiter brought over four 'draughts,' which in this pub meant four perfectly poured guinnesses.

They spent the evening comparing various Irish stouts, but they always came back to the guinnesses as the gold standard.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

"The establishment reported a significant increase in the number of Guinnesses sold during the fiscal quarter."

Neutre

"We ordered three Guinnesses and waited for them to settle at the bar."

Informel

"Get a few Guinnesses in, will you? It's my turn to sit down."

Child friendly

"The grown-ups were sitting at the table with their tall glasses of Guinnesses."

Argot

"We're heading out for some Guinnesses tonight, you in?"

Le savais-tu ?

Arthur Guinness signed a 9,000-year lease on the St. James's Gate Brewery in 1759, showing incredible confidence in his product's future. This confidence is why we are still ordering Guinnesses today!

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈɡɪnɪsɪz/

US /ˈɡɪnəsəz/

The primary stress is on the first syllable: GIN-nis-iz.

Rime avec

finishes diminishes winnesses (rare) sinnesses (archaic) businesses (near rhyme) witnesses (near rhyme) thicknesses (near rhyme) illnesses (near rhyme)

Erreurs fréquentes

Pronouncing it with only two syllables like 'Guin-ness'.
Using a hard 'G' like in 'giant' (it should be a hard 'G' like in 'goat').
Over-emphasizing the final 'es' so it sounds like 'eez'.
Confusing the 'u' sound; it is silent in 'Guinness'.
Failing to add the extra syllable for the plural.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Easy to recognize as a plural of a famous brand name.

Écriture 3/5

Requires correct spelling (double 'n') and capitalization.

Expression orale 3/5

Requires pronouncing the extra syllable '-es' correctly.

Écoute 2/5

Usually clear in context, especially in a pub setting.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

beer drink pint glass order

Apprends ensuite

stout draught brewery beverage hospitality

Avancé

nitrogenation metonymy genericization proprietary vernacular

Grammaire à connaître

Pluralization of nouns ending in 's'

Guinness becomes Guinnesses, just like bus becomes buses.

Proper nouns as count nouns

Using 'two Guinnesses' instead of 'two servings of Guinness'.

Mass nouns becoming countable

Ordering 'three waters' or 'four coffees' follows the same logic as 'four Guinnesses'.

Capitalization of brand names

Always capitalize Guinnesses because it is a trademarked proper noun.

Use of 'a few' with countable plurals

Saying 'a few Guinnesses' is correct, whereas 'a little Guinness' refers to the liquid amount.

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Exemples par niveau

I want two Guinnesses, please.

I want two [of this beer], please.

Simple plural of a brand name.

He has two Guinnesses on the table.

He has two [glasses of beer] on the table.

Using plural to count glasses.

Do you like Guinnesses?

Do you like [these beers]?

Question form with plural.

We ordered three Guinnesses.

We ordered three [drinks].

Past tense with plural object.

There are four Guinnesses in the fridge.

There are four [cans/bottles] in the fridge.

Plural for items in a container.

The Guinnesses are cold.

The [beers] are cold.

Plural subject with 'are'.

She bought five Guinnesses.

She bought five [drinks].

Plural count after a number.

Are these your Guinnesses?

Are these your [drinks]?

Possessive adjective with plural noun.

We drank several Guinnesses at the party.

We drank many [of this beer] at the party.

'Several' used with plural count noun.

The barman poured the Guinnesses very slowly.

The barman poured the [beers] very slowly.

Definite article with plural noun.

How many Guinnesses did you order?

How many [drinks] did you order?

'How many' used for countable plural.

I prefer Guinnesses to other types of beer.

I prefer [these beers] to other beers.

Comparison using plural noun.

They sell many Guinnesses in this pub.

They sell a lot of [these beers] here.

'Many' used with plural noun.

The Guinnesses were the best part of the meal.

The [beers] were the best part.

Plural noun as subject of a clause.

Can we have two more Guinnesses, please?

Can we have two more [drinks]?

'Two more' with plural noun.

He brought a round of Guinnesses for everyone.

He brought [a drink for everyone].

Collective noun 'round' followed by plural.

The Guinnesses in Dublin are said to taste better.

The [beers] in Dublin are famous for their taste.

Plural noun used in a generalized statement.

After three Guinnesses, he started to tell jokes.

After [drinking three beers], he became funny.

Prepositional phrase with plural noun.

I'll get the Guinnesses if you get the snacks.

I will buy the [drinks] if you buy the food.

Future tense with plural object.

The table was covered with empty Guinnesses.

The table had many empty [glasses/cans].

Adjective 'empty' modifying plural noun.

Ordering Guinnesses requires a bit of patience.

Buying [these beers] takes time.

Gerund phrase with plural object.

She doesn't usually drink Guinnesses, but she made an exception.

She doesn't usually have [these beers].

Negative present simple with plural object.

The Guinnesses were lined up on the bar, waiting to settle.

The [beers] were sitting on the bar.

Passive-like construction with plural subject.

We shared a few Guinnesses while watching the game.

We had some [drinks] during the match.

'A few' used with plural count noun.

The festival organizers estimated they would serve ten thousand Guinnesses.

They expected to sell a huge number of [drinks].

Large number used with plural noun.

He preferred the bottled Guinnesses over the draught version.

He liked the [beers in bottles] more.

Adjective 'bottled' modifying plural noun.

The Guinnesses were poured in the traditional two-stage process.

The [beers] were made in the old way.

Passive voice with plural subject.

I've never seen so many Guinnesses in one place before.

There are so many [of these beers] here.

'So many' used for emphasis with plural.

The Guinnesses served at the airport were surprisingly expensive.

The [drinks] at the airport cost a lot.

Reduced relative clause modifying plural noun.

She noticed that the Guinnesses had a particularly thick head that day.

The [beers] had a lot of foam.

Plural noun as subject of a subordinate clause.

We decided to sample the various Guinnesses available in the tasting room.

We tried different [types of this beer].

Adjective 'various' with plural noun.

The Guinnesses were a staple of every social gathering in the village.

The [beers] were always present at parties.

Plural noun as a general category.

The ubiquity of Guinnesses in Irish pubs is a testament to the brand's marketing prowess.

The fact that [these beers] are everywhere shows good marketing.

Plural noun used in a formal, analytical sentence.

One could argue that the Guinnesses poured in London lack the 'soul' of those in Dublin.

Some say [the beers] in London aren't as good.

Plural noun used in a subjective, argumentative context.

The sheer volume of Guinnesses consumed on St. Patrick's Day is staggering.

The amount of [beers] drunk on that day is huge.

Plural noun in a complex noun phrase.

The Guinnesses were meticulously prepared, each with a perfect shamrock etched into the foam.

The [beers] were made with great care.

Adverbial modification of the preparation of the plural noun.

The bartender's ability to manage twelve Guinnesses at once was impressive.

He could pour twelve [drinks] at the same time.

Plural noun as the object of a gerund.

The Guinnesses of yesteryear were said to be much more variable in quality.

[The beers] from the past were not always the same.

Plural noun used with a temporal qualifier.

In the hospitality industry, the consistent delivery of perfect Guinnesses is a key performance indicator.

Serving good [beers] is very important for success.

Plural noun in a professional, jargon-heavy context.

The Guinnesses acted as a social lubricant, facilitating conversation among the strangers.

The [beers] helped people talk to each other.

Metaphorical use of the plural noun.

The countification of the mass noun 'Guinness' into 'Guinnesses' exemplifies the linguistic flexibility of brand names in vernacular English.

Making the name plural shows how language changes.

Linguistic analysis of the word itself.

The Guinnesses served in the executive lounge were of the Foreign Extra variety, catering to a more global palate.

The [beers] there were a special type for international people.

Specific variety identified within the plural category.

The cultural semiotics of the Guinnesses on the bar—the settle, the foam, the color—speak volumes about Irish identity.

The way [the beers] look tells us about Irish culture.

Plural noun as a subject in a semiotic analysis.

The proliferation of Guinnesses across diverse markets has necessitated localized brewing adjustments.

Because [the beers] are everywhere, they have to change how they make them.

Plural noun in a business/economic context.

To the connoisseur, the Guinnesses from the St. James's Gate brewery possess an inimitable character.

To an expert, [the beers] from that specific place are unique.

Plural noun used to denote specific origin.

The narrative utilized the Guinnesses as a recurring motif, symbolizing the passage of time and the erosion of friendship.

The story used [the beers] to show how things change.

Literary analysis of the word's function.

The Guinnesses were poured with such precision that they appeared more like sculptures than beverages.

The [beers] looked like art because they were so perfect.

Simile used to describe the plural noun.

The bartender's repertoire included the ability to pour fifty Guinnesses in under ten minutes during peak hours.

He could pour fifty [drinks] very fast.

Plural noun used to quantify professional skill.

Collocations courantes

pour several Guinnesses

order two Guinnesses

a round of Guinnesses

perfectly poured Guinnesses

empty Guinnesses

cold Guinnesses

bottled Guinnesses

extra Guinnesses

fresh Guinnesses

share a few Guinnesses

Phrases Courantes

A few Guinnesses

Two Guinnesses, please

Another round of Guinnesses

Too many Guinnesses

The best Guinnesses in town

Lined up Guinnesses

A tray of Guinnesses

Cans of Guinnesses

Freshly poured Guinnesses

Those Guinnesses

Souvent confondu avec

guinnesses vs Guinness's

This is the possessive form (e.g., 'Guinness's flavor'), not the plural for multiple drinks.

guinnesses vs Guinness World Records

While related, 'Guinnesses' usually refers to the beer, not the records themselves.

guinnesses vs Genius

The words sound somewhat similar, but a 'genius' is a very smart person, not a beer.

Expressions idiomatiques

"To have a few Guinnesses under one's belt"

To have already drunk several pints. It implies a state of slight intoxication or experience.

By the time the music started, he already had a few Guinnesses under his belt.

informal

"Crying into one's Guinnesses"

To be very sad or self-pitying while drinking. It's a variation of 'crying into one's beer'.

He's been crying into his Guinnesses ever since his team lost the match.

informal

"As dark as two Guinnesses"

A creative way to describe something very dark or black. It's a simile based on the beer's color.

The night was as dark as two Guinnesses in a windowless room.

informal/poetic

"Worth a thousand Guinnesses"

Something extremely valuable or a great favor. It uses the drink as a unit of value.

Your help with the move was worth a thousand Guinnesses!

informal/hyperbolic

"Between Guinnesses"

During a break in drinking or a moment of clarity between rounds.

Between Guinnesses, we actually managed to discuss some serious business.

informal

"A Guinnesses-only policy"

A humorous way to say that only one type of drink is allowed or preferred at an event.

At our annual reunion, we have a strict Guinnesses-only policy.

informal

"To see the world through Guinnesses-colored glasses"

A play on 'rose-colored glasses,' meaning to see things in a more positive (or perhaps Irish-centric) way due to drinking.

After the festival, he was seeing the world through Guinnesses-colored glasses.

informal/humorous

"The Guinnesses are on me"

A way to announce that you are paying for the drinks. It's a specific version of 'the drinks are on me'.

Great news, everyone! The Guinnesses are on me tonight!

informal

"To settle like Guinnesses"

To take a long time to calm down or to reach a final state, referring to the beer's pouring process.

The children finally settled like Guinnesses after the long day at the park.

informal/descriptive

"More Guinnesses than sense"

To have drunk so much that one is acting foolishly. A variation of 'more money than sense'.

He had more Guinnesses than sense when he decided to jump into the fountain.

informal

Facile à confondre

guinnesses vs Stout

Guinness is a stout, so people sometimes use the words interchangeably.

Guinness is a specific brand, while stout is a general category of dark beer. All Guinnesses are stouts, but not all stouts are Guinnesses.

He ordered two Guinnesses, but the bar only had local stouts.

guinnesses vs Porter

Both are dark beers and look very similar in the glass.

Porters are generally lighter and sweeter than stouts like Guinness, which are more 'dry' and roasty.

The menu had three Guinnesses and two local porters.

guinnesses vs Lager

They are both types of beer found in pubs.

Lagers are light, clear, and carbonated, whereas Guinnesses are dark, opaque, and nitrogenated.

She prefers light lagers, but he always orders Guinnesses.

guinnesses vs Ale

Guinness is technically a type of ale (specifically a stout ale).

In common talk, 'ale' usually refers to pale ales or bitters, which are very different from dark Guinnesses.

The pub serves various ales, but the Guinnesses are their specialty.

guinnesses vs Pint

A pint is the standard serving size for a Guinness.

A pint is a unit of measurement (568ml in the UK), while Guinnesses refers to the specific drink itself.

He ordered two pints, and the bartender knew he meant Guinnesses.

Structures de phrases

I want [number] Guinnesses.

I want two Guinnesses.

We had [number] Guinnesses at [place].

We had three Guinnesses at the pub.

Ordering [number] Guinnesses takes [time].

Ordering four Guinnesses takes a few minutes.

The [adjective] Guinnesses were [adjective].

The cold Guinnesses were very refreshing.

The [noun] of Guinnesses is [adjective].

The quality of the Guinnesses is exceptional.

The [abstract noun] of Guinnesses [verb] [object].

The cultural semiotics of Guinnesses reveal much about Irish society.

All

Can I have [number] Guinnesses, please?

Can I have two Guinnesses, please?

All

A round of Guinnesses for [group].

A round of Guinnesses for the band!

Famille de mots

Noms

Verbes

Adjectifs

Apparenté

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Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Very high in Ireland and the UK; moderate to high in other English-speaking countries.

Erreurs courantes

Writing 'guinnesses' with a lowercase 'g'. → Guinnesses
Guinness is a proper noun (a brand name), so it must always be capitalized, even in its plural form.
Using 'Guinness's' when you mean more than one drink. → Guinnesses
The apostrophe makes it possessive. Use 'Guinnesses' for plural and 'Guinness's' for possession.
Pronouncing it as two syllables (GIN-nis). → GIN-nis-iz
The plural form requires an extra syllable to be grammatically correct and clearly understood.
Spelling it 'Guinesses' with only one 'n'. → Guinnesses
The correct spelling of the brand is Guinness, so the plural must also have the double 'n'.
Using 'Guinnesses' to refer to the liquid in a glass. → Guinness
If you are talking about the beer itself, use the singular mass noun. 'The glass is full of Guinness,' not 'full of Guinnesses.'

Astuces

The -es Rule

Remember that nouns ending in 's', 'sh', 'ch', or 'x' always take '-es' in the plural. Since Guinness ends in an 's' sound, Guinnesses is the natural and correct plural form.

Ordering Rounds

If you are ordering for a group, saying 'four Guinnesses' is the fastest way to communicate your needs to a busy bartender. It's efficient and widely understood.

Double the N

A common mistake is spelling it 'Guinesses' with one 'n'. Always remember the double 'n'—it's a key part of the brand's name and its history.

Three Syllables

Practice saying GIN-nis-iz. The extra syllable at the end is crucial for being understood when you want more than one drink.

Patience is Key

When you order Guinnesses, don't expect them immediately. The two-part pour is a tradition, and asking 'where are my Guinnesses?' too soon is considered impolite.

Pub vs. Store

In a pub, 'Guinnesses' usually means pints. In a store, it usually means cans or bottles. The context always helps define what unit you are talking about.

Capitalize Always

Even if you are writing a casual text message, using a capital 'G' for Guinnesses shows that you know it's a proper noun and a famous brand.

Metonymy

This is a great example of metonymy, where the name of the producer (Guinness) is used for the product itself. Learning this helps you understand other brand-based plurals like 'two Cokes'.

Listen for the Settle

In a pub, if you hear the bartender say 'Your Guinnesses are settling,' it means they have finished the first pour and are waiting before adding the final top-up.

Avoid Overuse

While 'Guinnesses' is correct, don't use it in every sentence. Mix it up with 'pints' or 'drinks' to make your English sound more natural and less repetitive.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of 'Guinness' as the 'Genius' of beers. When you have more than one genius, you have many 'Geniuses'. Similarly, when you have more than one Guinness, you have 'Guinnesses'.

Association visuelle

Imagine a row of three dark glasses with white tops sitting on a bar. See the 'G' on the glasses and count them: one Guinness, two Guinnesses, three Guinnesses.

Word Web

Beer Ireland Stout Dublin Pub Pint Drink Alcohol

Défi

Try to use the word 'Guinnesses' in a sentence that also includes the words 'Dublin', 'patience', and 'round'. For example: 'In Dublin, ordering a round of Guinnesses requires a lot of patience.'

Origine du mot

The word comes from the surname 'Guinness,' specifically Arthur Guinness who founded the brewery in Dublin in 1759. The surname itself is of Irish origin, likely an anglicized form of 'Mag Aonghusa' (son of Aonghus).

Sens originel : A family name that became synonymous with the dark stout they produced.

Gaelic/Irish (origin of the name), English (usage as a brand and plural noun).

Contexte culturel

Always be mindful of local laws and cultural attitudes toward alcohol consumption when using this word. In some cultures, discussing alcoholic drinks may be inappropriate.

In the UK and Ireland, ordering 'two Guinnesses' is the most natural way to speak in a pub. In the US, people might more often say 'two pints of Guinness,' but the plural form is still widely understood.

The Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland's most popular tourist attraction. The Guinness World Records, originally a marketing giveaway by the brewery. The 'Guinness is Good for You' advertising campaign from the 1920s.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

At a Pub

Two Guinnesses, please.
Is that a round of Guinnesses?
How long for the Guinnesses?
The Guinnesses are settling.

At a Liquor Store

Do you have any Guinnesses in cans?
I'll take a six-pack of Guinnesses.
Are these Guinnesses on sale?
Where are the bottled Guinnesses?

Social Gathering

Who wants some Guinnesses?
We have plenty of Guinnesses in the cooler.
I brought some Guinnesses for the party.
Let's crack open these Guinnesses.

Travel/Tourism

We had the best Guinnesses in Dublin.
You must try the Guinnesses at the brewery.
The Guinnesses here taste different.
How many Guinnesses have we had today?

Sports Event

The fans were celebrating with Guinnesses.
A tray of Guinnesses for the winning team!
Watching the rugby with a few Guinnesses.
The stadium was full of people drinking Guinnesses.

Amorces de conversation

"Have you ever tried Guinnesses in Ireland? They say they taste much better there than anywhere else."

"I'm going to the bar to get a round. Should I get four Guinnesses or does anyone want something else?"

"Did you know that pouring two Guinnesses takes exactly 119.5 seconds if you do it correctly?"

"I prefer the bottled Guinnesses because I can drink them at home, but nothing beats a draught one."

"Are we having a few Guinnesses tonight to celebrate your promotion, or are we going somewhere fancy?"

Sujets d'écriture

Describe your first experience trying Guinnesses. What did you think of the color, the foam, and the unique taste?

Write about a memorable night out with friends where you shared a few Guinnesses. What was the atmosphere like?

If you were to open an Irish pub, how would you ensure that the Guinnesses you serve are the best in the city?

Reflect on the cultural importance of Guinnesses in Ireland. Why do you think this one brand has become so famous?

Imagine you are a bartender in a busy Dublin pub on St. Patrick's Day. Describe the challenge of pouring hundreds of Guinnesses.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Yes, 'Guinnesses' is the grammatically correct plural form of the proper noun 'Guinness' when used as a countable noun to refer to multiple servings of the beer. It follows the standard English rule of adding '-es' to nouns ending in an 's' sound. You will hear it used every day in pubs across Ireland and the UK.

Yes, you should always capitalize the 'G' in 'Guinnesses.' Since it is derived from a proper name and a specific brand, capitalization is required to show respect for the trademark and to follow standard English grammar rules for proper nouns. Even when pluralized, the 'G' remains uppercase.

Use 'Guinnesses' when you are counting individual servings, such as 'I'll have two Guinnesses.' Use the singular 'Guinness' when you are talking about the beer as a general concept, such as 'I like the taste of Guinness.' It's the difference between referring to the substance and the units of that substance.

It is pronounced with three syllables: GIN-nis-iz (/ˈɡɪnɪsɪz/). The first syllable rhymes with 'thin,' the second with 'miss,' and the third is a soft 'iz' sound. Make sure not to skip the last syllable, as that is what indicates the plural form.

In casual speech, many people do say 'two Guinness, please.' This is a common dialectal variation where the singular form is used for the plural. However, 'two Guinnesses' is more grammatically precise and is the standard plural form in written English.

Yes, 'Guinnesses' can refer to multiple cans or bottles as well as draught pints. For example, you could say, 'I bought a pack of four Guinnesses at the shop.' It is a versatile term for any individual unit of the brand's beer.

Technically, you could use it that way, but it is very rare. Usually, people say 'Guinness World Records' or 'Guinness books' to avoid confusion with the beer. If you say 'I have three Guinnesses,' people will almost always assume you are talking about drinks.

'Guinnesses' is the plural form (more than one drink). 'Guinness's' is the possessive form (something belonging to Guinness). For example: 'I ordered two Guinnesses' vs 'Guinness's history is very long.' They are used in completely different grammatical situations.

Guinnesses are poured in two stages to allow the nitrogen bubbles to settle and create the famous creamy head. This process takes about 119.5 seconds. When you order multiple Guinnesses, the bartender has to manage this process for each glass, which is why it takes longer than other beers.

Yes, it is common, especially in Irish-American communities and Irish pubs. However, Americans might slightly more often say 'pints of Guinness' or 'bottles of Guinness' compared to the very frequent use of the plural 'Guinnesses' in Ireland and the UK.

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