verspint

Verspint is a colloquial term for a practice that merges poetry performance with beer drinking. It is used to describe events where participants present verse—solo or in ensembles—while the audience shares pints, typically in casual venues.

The word verspint is a portmanteau of verse and pint. It has appeared in online discussions and event listings since the early 2010s; it is not an established academic term, and its use is largely informal.

Variant manifestations include open-mic nights where poetry and beer are central, collaborative performances that integrate drinking cues into the piece, and themed evenings that pair poems with specific beer styles. Some verspint events emphasize community and improvisation, while others aim for more structured reading programs.

Reception is mixed: proponents argue that verspint lowers barriers to participation in poetry and fosters convivial social interaction; critics caution that alcohol-centered formats can undermine literary focus or accessibility for non-drinkers.

See also open mic, slam poetry, pub culture, and performance art.