It’s no secret that Brits love their booze. It’s one of our many cultural stereotypes, right up there with football and tea. So, it may come as a surprise that once a year, Brits across the nation give up drinking for an entire month. This is called ‘Dry January’ and is the theme of this week’s blog! 

Phrasal Verb Vibes: Give up  

«Give up» means to stop doing something or to quit a habit. For example: 

• «I want to give up smoking.» (I want to stop smoking.) 

• «She gave up eating sugar.» (She stopped eating sugar.) 

• «They gave up trying to fix the car.» (They stopped trying to fix the car.) 

It can also mean to stop trying when something is too difficult. 

So, what exactly is Dry January?  

Dry January is when you choose to abstain from drinking alcohol for the entire month of January. It’s very popular in England. After the overindulgence of Christmas, which for many includes alcohol, some see January as a chance to reset or detox and decide to kick alcohol to the curb. 

Idiom of the Week: Kick to the curb 

A curb is the raised edge of a sidewalk, usually made of concrete, that separates the pavement from the road. The phrase «kick to the curb» means to get rid of something or someone because they are no longer needed or wanted—like kicking rubbish off the sidewalk into the street. 

How did it begin?  

The concept of quitting alcohol for a month in January existed for quite some time. However, in 2013, the charity, Alcohol Change UK launched the Dry January Movement. The campaign encourages people to stop drinking, consider their relationship with alcohol, and focus on their health.  

Would you try it?  

Dry January has since gained popularity worldwide, with many people in other countries also taking part. Reported benefits range from improved mood and better sleep to weight loss and increased productivity. So, as January comes to an end, is it something you’d like to try next year?

Written by Marina McAleese, Teacher at The Harrogate International Academy