Have you ever been in a bar and heard a weird word that others seem to understand? Well, here’s a little article to help you get the lowdown. This is in no way a complete, fool-proof bar guide, but something to get you acclimated to bar lingo. Be aware that bar terms may vary with location and some bartenders may not know a certain term.

We’ll start with a pretty common term: a “back.” It’s generally a non-alcoholic drink (like soda or water) that accompanies your alcoholic drink. A lot of people take a back of soda when they have straight liquor on the rocks, and some people request a “beer back” to go along with a Bloody Mary. It’s not a full-on drink, but usually served in a smaller glass.

Now on to “on the rocks.” This is also a pretty common term and it refers to liquor poured over a couple (three to four) ice cubes. Since there’s no “mixer” — of pop or juice — in the drink, a drink on the rocks is served in a short rocks glass.

On the other hand, if you’d like your alcohol without anything added to it — ice or a mixer — order your drink “neat” or “plain”. When the bartender hears this, he/she knows to simply pour the alcohol straight into the rocks glass, unless you’d like your alcohol chilled.

A “shot,” or uncommonly called a “snit,” is generally three ounces of alcohol, which is the amount that’s usually put into a single drink. A “jigger” is about an ounce or an ounce and a half of liquor and is a tool that helps bartenders measure multiple-ingredient shots and/or drinks.

A “chilled” shot of alcohol is one swished around in some ice, then strained into the shot/rocks glass. Often, multiple-liquor shots are mixed in the shaker with some ice as it’s easier and chilled shots are generally more appreciated.

Some shots can be poured in a way to create a cool, layered look. If you have a shot in mind that you’d like to look a specific way, tell the bartender to “layer” or “float” the shot. Though, obviously, the bartender may not know the correct way to pour a layered shot that has multiple ingredients, so stay patient.

“Well” liquors are the cheapest the bar has and are usually found on the convenient “speed rail” located in easy reach of the bartender. Liquors vary in price, with well at the bottom and “top shelf” — most expensive liquors — at the top.

This isn’t a very common thing with the younger crowds, but it may be something to try. When you order a “press” with your alcohol — “vodka press”, “bourbon press”, etc. — the bartender will pour your shot in a glass of ice, then add soda water and 7-Up or Sprite.