“Lush” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on January 13, 2025 by Isabella Claire

What does Lush mean? There are numerous slang terms used today that have become an acceptable part of informal communication. One of the slang terms you may hear or see often is the term “lush.” Throughout the remainder of this article, you will find the definition for this term in its slang form and other meanings, if any exist.

You will also see the term used properly in sample conversations. Finally, you will see other ways to say this term to convey the same meaning.

“Lush” Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The term “lush,” in its American slang form, is a descriptive term used to describe someone who drinks a great deal of alcohol or who is drunk seemingly all the time.
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Lush Meaning

In slang, “lush” is used to describe a heavy drinker, typically someone who consumes alcohol excessively or frequently. This usage often carries a casual or slightly humorous tone, though it can also imply concern depending on the context.

For example:

  • “He’s a total lush; you’ll always find him at the bar.”
  • “She’s been acting like a lush lately with all those wine nights.”

Origin of this Term

The slang term “lush” to describe someone as a drunk or someone who drinks a lot came from the slang term used to describe liquor of an unknown origin in 1890.

Usage of “Lush”

1. Social Observation
  • Context: Referring to someone’s drinking habits in a casual or joking way.
  • Example: “You can’t invite him to a party without a bottle; he’s such a lush.”

2. Expressing Concern

  • Context: Discussing someone’s excessive drinking with a tone of worry.
  • Example: “I think she’s turning into a bit of a lush; she’s been drinking every night.”

3. Teasing a Friend

  • Context: Playfully calling out a friend who enjoys drinking.
  • Example: “Another glass of wine? You’re such a lush!”

4. Describing a Habitual Drinker

  • Context: Labeling someone known for excessive drinking as part of their character.
  • Example: “That guy’s always at the pub; he’s a real lush.”

5. Storytelling or Gossip

  • Context: Describing someone’s behavior in a story or casual conversation.
  • Example: “At the wedding, the lush of the family was the first one on the dance floor with a drink in each hand.”

Other Meanings

The British also use “lush” as a slang term to describe a nice looking female or an object that is desirable in general. The word “lush” has an actual definition also meaning extravagant or over-the-top.

Related Terms to “Lush”

  • Alcoholic – A person with a dependency on alcohol or who drinks excessively to the point of it affecting their daily life.
  • Drunkard – An old-fashioned term for someone who habitually drinks too much alcohol.
  • Boozer – Informal slang for a person who drinks heavily or frequently.
  • Sot – A somewhat dated term for a habitual drunkard.
  • Tippler – Someone who drinks alcohol regularly, often in small amounts but frequently.
  • Wino – A term often used to describe a heavy drinker, particularly one who drinks cheap wine and may be homeless.
  • Guzzler – Refers to someone who consumes alcohol quickly or in large amounts.
  • Barfly – A person who spends a lot of time drinking in bars or pubs.
  • Tank – Slang for someone who can drink large quantities of alcohol without appearing overly intoxicated.
  • Hooch Hound – A playful or humorous term for someone who enjoys drinking alcohol.

Other Ways to Say the Term

Some alternatives to the slang term “lush” that convey the same idea include:

  • alcoholic
  • he/she drinks a lot
  • he/she can’t control his/her liquor

“Lush” Examples

Sentence Examples

  • “Everyone knows he’s a lush; he never says no to another round.”
  • “She used to be the life of the party, but now people just call her a lush.”
  • “After three cocktails, he jokingly admitted, ‘I’m such a lush tonight!'”
  • “My uncle’s reputation as a lush is why he’s never asked to bring wine to family dinners.”
  • “I’m worried about her; she’s been acting like a real lush since she started that new job.”
  • “They laughed and called him a lush after he ordered another pitcher of beer for himself.”
  • “The bartender knew the regular lush would be there before the doors even opened

Conversation Examples

A conversation between two friends at the local bar:

  • Friend 1: I hate it when Debbie comes with us to the bar. I am glad it is just the two of us tonight.
  • Friend 2: I know what you mean. She is such a lush and is always doing something embarrassing or getting us into trouble.

A conversation between two co-workers discussing another co-worker:

  • Co-worker 1: I think Charles has a real problem. He always smells of alcohol, even at work.
  • Co-worker 2: That could be dangerous if he is drinking at work.
  • Co-worker 1: Yeah, I get the impression he is a real lush! I should probably inform the boss.
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