a 'peg' of drink

[playmisty]

My mother doesn't drink alcoholic beverages and she's a bit embarrassed to say that she doesn't know what a 'peg' of a spirit is...can anyone help out please, as I cannot find it by searching the web. Many thanks

[Buenchico]

The Oxford English Dictionary defines a peg as 'a drink, especially of spirits' and indicates that the term is mainly used within the UK & Commonwealth, rather than in the US.

So, as far as the OED is concerned, no specific measure is involved.

Wikipedia suggests that a 'peg' is (in most places) an informal measurement of between 1 and 2 fluid ounces:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peg_(drinking)
However, it also points out that, in some parts of the world, the relevant authorities have fixed a standard measurement for a 'peg'.

Although neither of those sources mentions it, I'd suggest that offering someone a 'peg' of whiskey is synonymous with offering them a 'shot' of the spirit.

Chris

[waimarie]

I believe the expression 'chota peg' is of Indian origin and seems to refer to a 'sundowner' or the first sip of a drink as you sit on your terrace watching the sun sink slowly in the west.

[playmisty]

Thank you for your answers, we found them very interesting and informative. Best wishes, misty