Drinking culture has been around for centuries, and with it comes an ever-evolving language of slang to describe everything from getting tipsy to being completely out of commission.
Whether you’re looking to expand your vocabulary for a night out or just want a laugh, here are some of the funniest and most funny words about drinking from around the world.
This resource for the Puns Funniest breaks down what you need to know about what the funniest slang terms about drinking are.
Introduction to Drinking Culture
Drinking culture is a cornerstone of social life in the Peach State and many states in the US. Whether it’s sharing a pint at the local pub, toasting at a wedding, or simply unwinding with a glass of wine after a long day, alcohol often plays a central role in our social interactions. But to truly navigate this world like a pro, you need to be fluent in the language of drinking.
Classic Slang Terms for Getting Drunk
Every culture has its own quirky way of describing intoxication. Some terms are centuries old, while others are newer additions to the drinking lexicon. Here are some of the funniest ways to say someone has had a bit too much to drink:
- Three Sheets to the Wind – A classic phrase with maritime origins, this term suggests someone is as unsteady as a ship with its sails loose in the wind.
- Blotto – A vintage favorite, meaning someone is so drunk they might as well be a blank slate.
- Legless – If you’ve had so much to drink that walking is out of the question, you might be described as legless.
- Pie-Eyed – A term dating back to the early 20th century, this describes the dazed and glassy-eyed look of someone who’s had a few too many.
- Smashed, Hammered, or Plastered – These construction-themed words suggest someone is as ruined as a poorly built house.
- Trolleyed – A British term that conjures up the image of someone veering out of control like a runaway shopping cart.
Slang Words for Alcoholic Drinks
When it comes to ordering your favorite tipple, knowing the right slang words can make all the difference. Here are some of the most common and amusing terms for alcoholic drinks:
- Booze: A catch-all term for any kind of alcoholic drink. Whether it’s beer, wine, or spirits, if it’s got alcohol, it’s booze.
- Liquor: This one’s for the strong stuff. Liquor refers to distilled spirits like whiskey, vodka, and rum.
- Juice: Not just for your morning OJ! In the world of drinking, juice can mean beer or wine.
- Sauce: A playful term for a strong, often sweet drink. Think of it as the secret ingredient to a good time.
- Saucey: When someone’s had a bit too much of the sauce, they’re saucey—drunk and likely to be the life of the party.
- Bloody Mary: A classic cocktail with a rich history, originating at Harry’s New York Bar in France. This spicy and flavorful drink blends vodka with tomato juice, Worcestershire sauce, and spices, perfectly balancing its robust components.
Slang Terms for Alcoholic Drinks
It’s not just the state of drunkenness that gets a colorful vocabulary. The act of drinking also has plenty of humorous expressions:
- Wet Your Whistle – A lighthearted way of saying it’s time for a drink, this phrase dates back to medieval times.
- Sink a Few – Often heard in Australia and the UK, this phrase implies casually downing a few pints with friends.
- Booze Cruise – A trip specifically planned around the consumption of alcohol, usually involving a literal or figurative journey.
- Knocking ‘Em Back – A phrase that perfectly describes someone drinking fast and furiously.
- Having a Tipple – A charming and old-fashioned British term for sipping on a drink.
Regional Drinking Slang
Drinking slang can be as diverse as the regions it comes from. Here are some colorful terms from around the world:
- UK: If you hear someone say they’re “gutted,” they’re not just disappointed—they’re drunk! And if they’re feeling “merry,” they’re enjoying that sweet spot of being slightly intoxicated.
- US: In the States, if someone’s “hammered,” they’re extremely drunk. But if they’re “wasted,” they’ve gone beyond hammered to a state of complete inebriation.
- Australia: Down under, being “blind drunk” means you’re extremely intoxicated, to the point where you might not remember much the next day. And if someone’s acting in “funny ways,” it’s likely the alcohol talking.
These regional terms add a unique flavor to the drinking culture of each country, making it all the more interesting and fun to explore.
Historical Terms for Drunkenness
History has given us some truly delightful terms for drunkenness, each with its own story and charm. Here are a few gems from the past:
- Pot-valiant: Dating back to the 17th century, this term describes someone who’s found their courage at the bottom of a glass. With a bit of liquid courage, they’re suddenly brave and bold.
- Crapulous: Also from the 17th century, this word paints a vivid picture of someone feeling sick or nauseous after a night of excessive drinking. It’s the perfect term for those mornings when you regret that last round.
- Crapulous definition: Feeling ill due to excessive drinking. For example, “After the party, he felt crapulous and vowed never to drink that much again.”
- Antifogmatic: In the 19th century, this term referred to a drink taken to ward off the effects of fog or dampness. Think of it as an old-timey excuse for a morning tipple.
- Katzenjammer: A wonderfully descriptive term from the 19th century, katzenjammer refers to the hangover or the after-effects of drinking. It’s the feeling of regret and headache all rolled into one.
- Katzenjammer definition: The uncomfortable symptoms, such as headache and nausea, that accompany a hangover. For example, “He woke up with a terrible katzenjammer after the night out.”
These historical terms not only add a touch of nostalgia to your conversations but also highlight the timeless nature of drinking culture. Cheers to that!
Slang Terms for the After-Effects of Getting Drunk
Ah, the morning after—a time when the fun of the night before comes back to haunt you. The after-effects of getting drunk are as varied as the drinks that caused them, and there’s no shortage of slang to describe the misery. Here are some of the most common terms:
- Hangover: The classic term for that all-too-familiar combination of headache, nausea, fatigue, and dry mouth. It’s the price we pay for a night of revelry.
- Morning After: Waking up to the harsh reality of last night’s choices, complete with a pounding head and a queasy stomach.
- Sick: When you’re feeling so nauseous that even the thought of food makes you want to hurl. It’s not pretty.
- Raging Headache: The kind of headache that feels like a marching band is practicing in your skull. Loud, relentless, and utterly miserable.
- Nausea: That queasy, unsettled feeling in your stomach that makes you regret every drink you had.
- Dry Mouth: Also known as cottonmouth, it’s the parched, uncomfortable sensation that has you reaching for water like it’s the elixir of life.
- Fatigue: The bone-deep exhaustion that makes getting out of bed feel like an Olympic sport.
These terms capture the essence of the hangover experience, blending humor with a touch of empathy. After all, we’ve all been there, and sometimes, a little laugh is the best medicine.
Healthcare Coverage and Alcohol-Related Treatment
While drinking slang can be amusing, excessive alcohol consumption can have serious health consequences. Understanding healthcare coverage options for alcohol-related treatment is essential if you or someone you know needs support.
Many insurance plans cover treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD) under behavioral health benefits. This can include inpatient rehab, outpatient counseling, detox programs, and medication-assisted treatments. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) mandates that mental health and substance use disorders are essential health benefits, meaning they must be covered similarly to medical and surgical care.
Seeking Help: What to Know About Insurance and Support
For those struggling with alcohol-related issues, knowing how to navigate insurance and find support can make a big difference. Many employers offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) that provide short-term counseling and referrals. Some states also have publicly funded programs that provide free or low-cost treatment options for individuals without insurance.
Funny Til It Isn’t: Seeking Help for Problem Drinking
Drinking slang may be entertaining, but it’s important to balance humor with awareness of responsible drinking, especially when consuming a strong drink.
Whether you’re “sloshed” at the pub or simply “wetting your whistle” at home, knowing your limits and understanding healthcare coverage for alcohol-related issues can keep the fun from turning into a problem.
If you or someone you know needs help, don’t hesitate to explore your insurance benefits and seek professional guidance. Cheers—responsibly!