noun
quick drink and snack at a bar
Casual term for stopping by a bar or izakaya for a short time to have a drink or two, often with a light snack. Implies a brief, unpretentious outing.
仕事帰りに同僚とちょい飲みした。
I went for a quick drink with a coworker after work.
この店はちょい飲みにぴったりだ。
This place is perfect for a quick drink and snack.
立ち飲み refers to drinking while standing, often at a standing bar, whereas ちょい飲み emphasizes a short, casual drinking session regardless of standing or sitting.
一杯 can mean 'one drink' or 'a quick drink', but ちょい飲み specifically includes the nuance of a light snack and a very brief stay.
Compound of ちょい (casual prefix meaning 'a little' or 'quick') and 飲み (drinking). The exact origin is uncertain, but it likely emerged in casual speech to describe a short, informal drinking occasion.