Tipsy/ˈtɪpsi/ Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Casual Interaction Used in informal settings among friends or social gatherings, not formal occasions. I was only tipsy at the barbecue, not drunk. Pro Tip 2/3Light Inebriation Suggests a light, often playful state of inebriation, less than being drunk. She giggled, admitting she was a little tipsy from the champagne. Pro Tip 3/3Non-offensive Considered a non-offensive, polite way to indicate someone has drunk a little alcohol. He's just a bit tipsy; let him rest a while.