Lena Savoie
During the 1800s, slang was primarily used by the lower and working classes, with young people instead aspiring to sound more educated and affluent. Despite this, there were still a plethora of slang terms for alcohol and drinking culture. For instance, a 'boozer', 'dip', 'dipso', 'swiper' or 'swizzler' was a heavy drinker, and to 'swizzle' meant to drink. If you drank too much, you would be 'blootered', or thoroughly intoxicated. Other adjectives for drunkenness included 'squiffy', 'squiffed', 'squizzed', 'shicker', and 'shickery'. The term 'cocktail' also emerged in the early 19th century, although its use expanded during Prohibition in the 1920s.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Slang for a heavy drinker | Boozer, dip, dipso, swiper, swizzler |
| To drink | To swizzle |
| Adjectives for drunk | Buffy, dead-oh, half-shot, lushy, scammered, shicker, sozzled, squiffed, squiffy, squizzed, tanked, shickery |
| Slang for beer | Two-fours, mickeys, handles |
| Slang for gin and beer | Dogsnose |
| Slang for porter and beer | Heavy wet |
| Slang for a shop where alcohol is sold without a license | Hush-shop |
| Slang for buying a round | Standing Sam |
| Slang for getting drunk | Cup-shotten, bene-bowsie, tippled, plotzed, three sheets in the wind |
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What You'll Learn
- 'Boozer', 'dip', 'dipso', 'swiper' or 'swizzler' were Victorian-era terms for a heavy drinker
- 'Dogsnose' was a term for gin and beer
- 'Heavy wet' referred to porter and beer
- 'Blootered' meant thoroughly intoxicated
- 'Three sheets to the wind' was a term for being drunk, inspired by the way a ship moves when its sails are loose
'Boozer', 'dip', 'dipso', 'swiper' or 'swizzler' were Victorian-era terms for a heavy drinker
During the Victorian era, a 'boozer', 'dip', 'dipso', 'swiper' or 'swizzler' was a heavy drinker. 'Swizzling' referred to the act of drinking, and if one 'swizzled' too much, they would become 'blootered', or thoroughly intoxicated.
There were many other adjectives to describe drunkenness in the Victorian era, including 'buffy', 'dead-oh', 'half-shot', 'lushy', 'scammered' (similar to 'hammered'), 'shicker', 'sozzled', 'squiffed', 'squiffy', 'squizzed', and 'tanked'. If an individual appeared unwell on top of being drunk, they might be described as 'shickery'.
The Victorian era is often viewed as a time of widespread abstinence due to the influence of teetotallers. However, this was not entirely accurate, as drinking was not as regulated as it is today, and alcohol was readily available and commonly consumed. Doctors would even recommend alcohol to relieve pain.
The Victorians had a plethora of slang terms for beer, with some being quite specific to certain types of beer, indicating its importance in everyday life. For example, 'dogsnose' referred to a mixture of gin and beer, as it was cold like a dog's nose. 'Heavy wet' was a term used to describe a combination of porter and beer, implying that the more one drinks, the heavier and more stupid they become. Cockney slang was also prevalent, with terms like 'Upper Benjamin' and 'whippism' being used.
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'Dogsnose' was a term for gin and beer
Alcohol consumption has long been a part of social life, and in the 1800s, it was no different. With alcohol came a rich vocabulary of slang terms, reflecting the importance of drinking in everyday life. One such term was "dogsnose", which referred to a mixture of gin and beer. This unusual name has an interesting etymology, derived from the temperature of the drink.
The term "dogsnose" or "dog's nose" originated from the idea that the drink was cold, like a dog's nose. This beverage was a mix of beer, warmed almost to boiling, with gin, and sometimes wormwood (the basis of absinthe), sugar, and ginger. Alternatively, brandy could be used instead of wormwood. This cocktail, though strange by today's standards, was seemingly popular in the 1800s, even making an appearance in Charles Dickens' first novel, "The Pickwick Club", published in instalments from 1836 to 1837.
The 1800s saw a plethora of colourful slang terms for alcohol and drinking, with "dogsnose" being just one example. Other terms from the era include "heavy wet" for porter and beer, "hush-shop" for an unlicensed establishment selling alcohol, and "Upper Benjamin", a term whose meaning is now lost to time. These slang terms were often regional, reflecting the local culture and character of the time.
The evolution of slang over time is fascinating, and the 1800s provide a wealth of creative and unique terms for alcohol and drinking culture, with "dogsnose" being a prime example of a vintage cocktail, both in name and recipe.
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'Heavy wet' referred to porter and beer
The term "heavy wet" was used in the 1800s to refer to porter and beer. This slang term likely originated from the idea that the more a man drank of this alcoholic beverage, the heavier and more stupid he became.
Porter is a style of dark beer that first appeared in the 1700s in England, although it was also commercially brewed in the United States during the same century, especially in New England and Pennsylvania. It is characterized by its deep ruby brown to black colour, and its flavour is often enhanced by dark malts that impart chocolate and caramel notes. Porters are typically brewed with top-fermenting ale yeast, although American porters are sometimes made with lager yeast.
The creation of porter beer is often attributed to Ralph Harwood, a brewer at the Bell Brewhouse in Shoreditch, London. The first delivery of porter was said to be to the Blue Last pub in Shoreditch. Before the development of porter, London brewers sent out their beer very young, as "Milds". Any ageing was left to the publican or dealer, who would often blend Milds and Stales to sell to the public. Porter, however, was aged at the brewery and dispatched ready to drink, making it one of the first beers formulated to cater to drinkers' tastes rather than ingredients on hand.
Porter was the first mass-produced, industrialized beer, and its popularity led to the creation of many styles, including stouts. In Ireland, especially Dublin, porter was known as "plain porter" or simply "plain", as referenced in Flann O'Brien's poem "The Workman's Friend": "A pint of plain is your only man." Extra-strong porter was called "stout porter".
Today, porter continues to be a popular style of beer, with dozens of breweries in Britain and other countries producing their own interpretations. The style has also evolved, with variations such as pumpkin, honey, vanilla, plum, and chocolate porters.
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'Blootered' meant thoroughly intoxicated
The term "blootered" originates from Scotland and was used as early as the 1600s to describe someone who was heavily drunk or intoxicated. It is believed to derive from the Scots word "bluit" or "bloot," meaning "swollen" or "inflated," suggesting the appearance of someone who has overindulged in alcohol. The term "blootered" conveys a state of being completely and obviously drunk, to the point where one's speech, coordination, and judgment are significantly impaired. This slang word offers a vivid and colorful description of the effects of excessive alcohol consumption, painting a picture of someone whose faculties are not just impaired but are thoroughly and noticeably compromised.
The usage of "blootered" as a slang term for intoxication provides insight into the cultural and social attitudes towards alcohol during the 1800s. It suggests a recognition of the potential for alcohol to significantly alter one's state of being, to the point where it is visibly apparent. The term also carries a hint of humor and lightheartedness, perhaps indicating a certain level of acceptance or even celebration of drunkenness within certain social circles. However, it is important to note that the term may also carry negative connotations, suggesting a loss of control or excess to a detrimental degree.
During the 1800s, alcohol consumption was a significant aspect of social and cultural life, and the use of slang terms like "blootered" reflects the pervasive nature of alcohol in society at the time. Alcohol was widely consumed and played a role in various social rituals, celebrations, and daily routines. The variety of slang terms that emerged during this period, including "blootered," served multiple purposes. Firstly, they provided a colorful and expressive way to discuss alcohol and its effects, adding a layer of humor and creativity to conversations.
Moreover, these slang terms allowed individuals to speak discreetly or euphemistically about drunkenness, which may have been considered a sensitive or taboo subject in certain social circles. The use of slang also reflected regional and cultural variations, with different communities adopting their own unique terms for alcohol and intoxication. "Blootered" specifically carries a rich cultural heritage, offering a glimpse into the Scottish perspective on alcohol during the 1800s. It showcases the unique vocabulary and expressions that evolved within Scottish society to describe the universal experience of drunkenness.
In addition to "blootered," there were numerous other slang terms for alcohol and intoxication in use during the 1800s. Some of these terms included "booze," "hooch," "firewater," and "rotgut," each carrying its own nuances and connotations. These alternative slang words provide further evidence of the creative and colorful language used to discuss alcohol during this period. They also reflect the diverse cultural influences and histories that shaped drinking culture and the associated vocabulary. By examining these slang terms, we gain a deeper understanding of the social, cultural, and historical contexts within which alcohol consumption occurred and the unique linguistic expressions that evolved alongside it.
Overall, the phrase "blootered meant thoroughly intoxicated" offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, shedding light on how alcohol and drunkenness were perceived and discussed in the 1800s. This slang term, rooted in Scottish culture, adds color and character to our understanding of historical drinking practices and the rich vocabulary that surrounded them.
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'Three sheets to the wind' was a term for being drunk, inspired by the way a ship moves when its sails are loose
The term "three sheets to the wind" is an old expression that dates back to the 1800s and was commonly used to describe someone who was heavily intoxicated. The phrase is believed to have originated from nautical language and the behavior of a ship at sea. When a ship's sails are loose, and the sheets, or ropes, that control the sails are left untied and flapping in the wind, the ship can rock and sway erratically, appearing to be uncontrolled and at the mercy of the elements. This chaotic movement is akin to the unsteady, unbalanced behavior of a person who has had too much alcohol and is stumbling and swaying, lacking coordination and control over their body. Thus, the phrase "three sheets to the wind" paints a vivid picture of the state of drunkenness, with the image of a ship being buffeted by the wind, its sails uncontrolled and its movement unpredictable.
The expression is a part of a rich vocabulary of nautical terms that made their way into everyday language during the 1800s. With sailing and naval culture being a significant aspect of life during this period, it is no surprise that many slang terms for drunkenness drew their inspiration from life at sea. The specific number "three" in the phrase adds an element of exaggeration and emphasis, suggesting a high level of intoxication, with the ship's sails completely out of control and the vessel being at the complete mercy of the winds and waves.
This slang term is just one of many colorful expressions that were used to describe drunkenness during this era. Other nautical-inspired terms include "half-seas over," suggesting a state of partial drunkenness, as if the ship has sailed halfway to the depths of the sea, and "under the weather," which alludes to the feeling of seasickness, often experienced below deck, as a metaphor for being hungover. These phrases offer a unique insight into the cultural and linguistic norms of the time, reflecting the strong influence of maritime life on the language and providing a creative and often humorous way to describe the effects of alcohol.
The phrase "three sheets to the wind" also reflects a negative view of drunkenness, implying a loss of control and a sense of disorder. The image of a ship with its sails loose and uncontrolled suggests a lack of discipline and orderliness, which was often associated with drunk behavior. This negative connotation is further emphasized by the potential dangers of a ship in such a state, highlighting the risks and negative consequences of excessive alcohol consumption. Thus, the phrase not only describes the physical state of drunkenness but also carries a moralizing tone, warning against the loss of control and potential chaos that drunkenness can bring.
Today, while the phrase "three sheets to the wind" may not be as commonly used as it once was, it still holds a place in modern language, particularly among those with an interest in nautical history or those who appreciate colorful and creative slang. Its enduring use keeps alive a piece of maritime history and provides a unique connection to the past, offering a glimpse into the language and cultural norms of a bygone era. This phrase is a reminder of how language evolves and how certain expressions can transcend time, continuing to paint vivid pictures and convey powerful messages long after their original context has faded.
In conclusion, the expression "three sheets to the wind" is a creative and evocative slang term for drunkenness that originated in the 1800s, drawing its inspiration from the behavior of a ship with loose sails. Through this phrase, we can imagine the chaotic movement of a ship being buffeted by the wind, a fitting description for the unsteady and uncontrolled behavior of an intoxicated person. This expression, with its nautical origins, adds a unique flavor to the language of the time and continues to resonate, offering a vivid and memorable way to describe the effects of alcohol.
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Frequently asked questions
Some slang terms for alcohol in the 1800s include "heavy wet", referring to porter and beer, and "dogsnose", which referred to a mixture of gin and beer.
In the 1800s, to be "cup-shotten", "bene-bowsie", "tippled", or "plotzed" meant to be drunk.
In the Victorian era, a heavy drinker might be called a "boozer", "dip", "dipso", "swiper", or "swizzler".
Alcohol was often consumed in "hush-shops", which were shops where alcohol was sold without a license, and "juice joints", which were illegal drinking establishments.
