Lush

Definition: drunk, drunkard, an alcoholic drink

Pronunciation: LAH-sh

Origin

We should be familiar with lush, the adjective, meaning flaccid, soft or tender. This meaning dates back to the 1500’s, and originates from the Latin laxare, meaning loosen. Some 400 later, this word earned another meaning, probably a fun-loving derivative to the adjectival lush- a drunkard.

Here is what the “Dictionary of Buckish Slang, University Wit, and Pickpocket Eloquence” (London, 1811) reads: “LUSHEY. Drunk. The rolling kiddeys had a spree, and got bloody lushey; the dashing lads went on a party of pleasure, and got very drunk.”

Why this word?

This is a great word as it represents both the situation and the sort of beverage needed to get you there! Try telling a drunken friend of yours that he’s too lush for your liking and shouldn’t have more lush! If he’s lush enough- I promise a funny response.

I also like the Victorian slang from which it came about- lushery is a low public house where alcohol is served, so I can very much imagine a conversation in which one offers his friend to go to the lushery, get some lush and get lush!

 How to use the word lush in a sentence?

Well, if the above is not enough, or in case you got somewhat confused- lush is a noun, representing both a drunken person and an alcoholic drink.

“John, you are way too lush! Bartender, don’t give him any more lush please!”