The most and least popular slang words for being drunk revealed this Dry January
Scots are known across the world for their expression and humour. From Billy Connolly to Robert Burns, we are a nation of wordsmiths, and we certainly know how to conjure up very comical ways of describing things and people.
Scotland is also a country that is fond of an alcoholic beverage. Put the two together - a way with words and a tendency to enjoy a drink - and the result is some pretty creative ways to describe being inebriated.
There are over 3000 ways to describe being drunk, but which are officially Brits' favourite? According to Preply, an online language course provider, the UK's favourite slang words and phrases for being drunk have been revealed.
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“There are so many slang words for being drunk," a language expert at Preply said. "Because drinking has been a typical social activity for centuries, people have developed vocabulary to describe different states of drunkenness.
"In fact, there's even a fun term for this - drunkonyms - highlighting just how many ways Brits have found to talk about being drunk. These terms come from how different societies have approached drinking.
"In the UK, pubs have been central to social life, leading to a varied variety of slang. Different social groups, regions, and classes also contribute to this... as people enjoy inventing new expressions that reflect their experiences.”
To test the public, Preply created a list of over 100 non-explicit slang words and phrases that refer to being drunk. They then used Urban Dictionary to find out the number of positive and negative votes for each word or phrase.
It turns out 'sloshed’ is the UK’s favourite phrase for being drunk, with 94 per cent of positive votes. Its popularity likely stems from its original meaning, which is to pour carelessly, making it a perfect metaphor for being very drunk.
The second-most loved phrase for being drunk is ‘rat-a****’, receiving 92.7 per cent of positive votes. Its origin is debated but the phrase gained popularity in the 1980s as a way to describe young people being too intoxicated.
Taking third place is ‘gazeboed’, a newer term to describe being intoxicated, made popular by British comedian Michael McIntyre.
On the other hand, the most hated slang word for being drunk is ‘lamped’, with the highest percentage of negative votes. This phrase, also meaning ‘have been punched’ is typically used in Ireland, and has influenced British slang.
In second place is 'messy' and ranking third is 'intoxicated,' perhaps less popular due to its formal, clinical definition. 'Merry' and 'lubricated' finish the top five least favoured words.
Whatever term you prefer, remember to drink responsibly.
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