Short description: Substance or activity that stimulates social interaction
People drinking alcohol at a pub in Brighton, England
A social lubricant is any food, beverage, drug, or activity that stimulates social interactions or helps people feel more comfortable in social occasions.[1] Different cultures use different social lubricants for this purpose. Some common social lubricants are:
Social lubricant is sometimes used as a euphemism for a bribe or other improper payment.[6]
Referring to alcohol or cannabis as social lubricants has been criticized because they have negative effects on empathy. Alcohol has the potential to increase aggression and cause disputes or violence.[7]