H. L Mencken's Dictionary of the American Language…
“H. L Mencken's Dictionary of the American Language supplies a long list of slang terms for being drunk, but the Irish are no slouches, either. They're spannered, rat-arsed, cabbaged, and hammered; ruined, legless, scorched, and blottoed; or simply trolleyed or sloshed. In Kerry, you're said to be flamin'; in Waterford, you're in the horrors; and in Cavan, you've gone baloobas, a tough one to wrap your tongue around if you ARE baloobas. In Donegal, you're steamin', while the afflicted in Limerick are out of their tree.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Slang for drunkenness varies regionally, reflecting cultural humor and identity in Ireland’s diverse dialects.
In simple terms: Irish slang for drunk differs by region.
Key Takeaway
Learn local terms to understand culture.
Themes
language
regional identity
humor
Mood
curious
amused
Type
educational
entertaining
When to use this quote
- travel
- language learning
- writing comedy
Key Concepts
sociolinguistics
cultural studies
dialectology
Questions to Reflect On
- Which regional slang intrigues you?
- How does language shape perception of intoxication?
A Different Perspective
Some terms may be offensive if misused.