whippet

English

Whippet

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -ɪpɪt

Etymology 1

Probably from whip in the sense of 'to move quickly' and diminutive suffix -et.

Noun

whippet (plural whippets)

1. A dog of a certain breed, similar to a small greyhound, originating in Britain and bred for racing.

Etymology 2

From whipped cream, since "whippits" are typically sold in the United States for use in making whipped cream.

Alternative forms

• whippit

Noun

whippet (plural whippets)

1. (slang) A cartridge of nitrous oxide (laughing gas), used as a recreational inhalant drug.
   • 2004, Sandra P. Riggin, Forbidden Memories: A Journey of Healing (→ISBN):

     I was smoking hash from under glasses, sniffing glue, doing whippets, popping speed, smoking pot, dropping acid, and occasionally shooting dope.