Meaning
Being intoxicated.
Cultural Background
Drinking is often a communal activity. The phrase 'mať pod čiapkou' is frequently used during 'na zdravie' (toasts). It's socially acceptable to be 'pod čiapkou' at a celebration, but being 'ožratý' (wasted) is often looked down upon. In villages, homemade spirits (slivovica) are common. Because these are very strong, people 'get under the cap' very quickly, leading to the frequent use of this idiom in local storytelling. Many folk songs describe the state of being tipsy. The 'čiapka' or 'klobúk' is a symbol of manhood and status, so having something 'under' it implies a personal, internal change. In cities like Bratislava, the phrase is used more ironically or to describe 'craft beer' culture. It remains a staple of the language even as drinking habits change.
Use 'trochu'
Always add 'trochu' (a little) if you want to be extra polite when describing someone's drinking.
Not for work
Even if your boss is tipsy at a party, don't use this phrase to his face unless you are very close.
Meaning
Being intoxicated.
Use 'trochu'
Always add 'trochu' (a little) if you want to be extra polite when describing someone's drinking.
Not for work
Even if your boss is tipsy at a party, don't use this phrase to his face unless you are very close.
The 'Wink'
This phrase is often accompanied by a physical wink or a smile in Slovak culture.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'mať'.
Môj starý otec po oslave vždy ______ pod čiapkou.
The subject is 'starý otec' (he), so the correct conjugation is 'má'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say someone is tipsy?
How would you describe a friend who is laughing after two beers?
The idiom uses the verb 'mať' and the instrumental case 'pod čiapkou'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Nechceš ešte pohár vína? B: Nie, ďakujem. Už ______.
The speaker is explaining why they don't want more wine using the idiom.
Match the phrase to the intensity.
Match 'Má trochu pod čiapkou' and 'Má poriadne pod čiapkou' to the descriptions.
'Trochu' means a little, 'poriadne' means properly/a lot.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMôj starý otec po oslave vždy ______ pod čiapkou.
The subject is 'starý otec' (he), so the correct conjugation is 'má'.
How would you describe a friend who is laughing after two beers?
The idiom uses the verb 'mať' and the instrumental case 'pod čiapkou'.
A: Nechceš ešte pohár vína? B: Nie, ďakujem. Už ______.
The speaker is explaining why they don't want more wine using the idiom.
Match 'Má trochu pod čiapkou' and 'Má poriadne pod čiapkou' to the descriptions.
'Trochu' means a little, 'poriadne' means properly/a lot.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's generally considered a mild, humorous euphemism. However, like any talk about alcohol, it depends on the tone.
Yes! Even though 'čiapka' was historically a male garment, the idiom applies to everyone. 'Ona má pod čiapkou.'
'Opitý' is the direct word for 'drunk'. 'Mať pod čiapkou' is more like 'tipsy' or 'having a buzz'.
You can say: 'Včera som mal trochu pod čiapkou.'
In Czech, 'mít pod čepicí' often means to be smart. Be careful! In Slovak, it almost exclusively means drunk.
Yes, though they might prefer slang like 'byť naliaty', they definitely understand and use this idiom.
No, it is too informal for professional correspondence.
It doesn't matter! The idiom is figurative. You can have 'pod čiapkou' even if you are bald and hatless.
Yes: 'mal pod čiapkou' (he was tipsy), 'mala pod čiapkou' (she was tipsy).
'Poriadne' (properly/really) is the most common way to say someone is very tipsy.
Related Phrases
mať v hlave
synonymTo be tipsy.
byť pod parou
similarTo be under the influence/drunk.
mať opicu
builds onTo have a hangover.
vypiť si
similarTo have a drink.
