Drunk as a Lord/Skunk 🍻🦨
Definition: To be “drunk as a lord” or “drunk as a skunk” means to be extremely intoxicated. The phrase “drunk as a lord” dates back to the seventeenth century, invoking the stereotype that aristocracy indulged heavily in drunkenness due to their wealth. “Drunk as a skunk,” an American addition from the early 1900s, owes its popularity to its catchy rhyme.
Synonyms:
- In the bag
- Smashed
- Plastered
- Three sheets to the wind
- Hammered
Antonyms:
- Sober as a judge
- Level-headed
- Straight-laced
- Clear-minded
Humor-Filled Quotes:
- “I told my wife she’d have to choose between me and her wine; I haven’t seen her since.” — Anonymous
- “Why does everything that is forbidden always taste so good — especially alcohol?” — Voltaire’s distant cousin
Proverbs and Similar Expressions:
- Drink like a fish - Consume a vast amount of alcohol.
- Tight as a tick - Extremely drunk (dating back to the fact that ticks become engorged when they drink blood).
- On the wagon - Abstaining from alcohol.
Literary References:
- In Martin Amis’s “Money” (1984), characters are often found in the depth of drunken debauchery, reflecting modern takes on ancient tendencies.
- Charles Bukowski’s “Post Office” is an endless carousel of inebriation, showing that time-boiled phrases are timeless indeed.
Music and Movies:
- “The Lost Weekend” (1945) - One of the earliest films to address alcoholism seriously while still providing a hearty dose of dark humor.
- “Alabama Song (Whisky Bar)” by The Doors - Jim Morrison’s drawl captures the wobbly balance of poetic and smashed.
- “Drunk” by Ed Sheeran - Depicts the emotional pitfalls and nostalgic haze of being utterly plastered.
### Which of these uses historical context to describe drunkenness?
- [x] Drunk as a lord
- [ ] Drunk as a spaghetti
- [ ] Drunk as a marshmallow wizard
- [ ] Drunk as a pondering philosopher
> **Explanation:** "Drunk as a lord" has a historical setting back in the seventeenth century, evoking aristocratic excess.
### Which phrase is known for its rhyme?
- [ ] Patted cats and dogs
- [x] Drunk as a skunk
- [ ] Danced with the geese
- [ ] Tiptoeing with turtles
> **Explanation:** "Drunk as a skunk" became popular due to its catchy rhyme, which helped cement its use through the ages.
### True or False: 'Drunk as a skunk' is American in origin.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** "Drunk as a skunk" originated in the United States and has been in use since the early 1900s.
### Which expresses extreme intoxication?
- [ ] Balanced as a gymnast
- [x] Three sheets to the wind
- [ ] Sipping daintily
- [ ] Over the moon
> **Explanation:** "Three sheets to the wind" is a nautical phrase meaning extremely drunk, with three sheets (lines) loose causing the sail (and person) to flutter wildly.
Until next time, raise a glass with wisdom and relish the quirks of our unorthodox language.
“May we always drizzle enchantment into every cup of conversation.”
Sincerely, Sir Pints-a-Lot
