Where does the expression 'to drink a cannon' come from?

The Origin of the Phrase "Boire un Canon"

An Expression from the 16th Century

Chances are you've used this phrase to invite a friend to enjoy a good glass of wine with you. But do you know where it comes from?

We use the word "canon" in many situations: to describe something amazing, or someone we find physically attractive... But in the case of the expression "boire un canon" ("drink a cannon"), the word "canon" refers to a unit of measurement used for wine and other alcoholic beverages. This practice dates back to the 16th century. At that time, a "canon" represented 6 centiliters, which is 1/16 of a pint. Wine was therefore drunk in 6-centiliter glasses. A small amount when you consider that today a glass of wine typically contains between 9 cl and 20 cl depending on the type.

A Common Expression Since the 19th Century

It is also said that this expression refers to the way of drinking wine (or another alcohol) in one go, like a cannon shot. But this image might also come from the sound glasses make when clinking together, similar to a cannon shot. Entering everyday language in the 19th century, the expression has survived through the ages and is still used today. There are also some variations like "boire un coup" ("drink a shot"), which also refers to glasses that are drunk in one go... or in one shot!

And what about the expression "pinard"? Do you know its origin ?

FAQ - 'Boire un canon'

What does the expression 'boire un canon' mean?

It means to have a glass of wine, usually with friends and in a convivial spirit. Originally, the 'canon' was a unit of measurement for wine of about 6 centiliters, used as early as the 16th century.

Where does the word 'canon' in this expression come from?

It refers to an old unit of measurement for wine and other alcohol worth 6 centiliters, or one sixteenth of a pint. Wine was then served in glasses of that size.

How many centiliters did a canon of wine hold?

A canon held 6 centiliters. That is small compared with today's glasses, which typically hold between 9 and 20 centiliters depending on the type of wine.

Since when have people said 'boire un canon'?

The canon as a measure dates back to the 16th century. The expression itself entered everyday French in the 19th century and is still used today.

Why the word 'canon' and not another word?

Two images overlap: drinking in one go, like a cannon shot, and the sound of glasses clinking, similar to a blast. The term also comes from the old 6-centiliter measure.