barfly

[ bahr-flahy ]

noun

, Slang.

, plural bar·flies.

1. a person who frequents barrooms.

barfly

/ ˈbɑːflaɪ /

noun

1. informal.
   a person who frequents bars

Word History and Origins

Origin of barfly¹

An Americanism dating back to 1905–10; bar ¹ + fly ¹

Example Sentences

“Mommie Dearest” was a setback, followed a few years later by “Barfly,” which was an attempt at a comeback.

From Salon

A daughter of Washington, D.C.’s Black bourgeoisie, Horn often attired herself in furs and white gloves, but she could outlast even the hardiest barfly as the night wore on.

From New York Times

He’s a public-school chaplain, a job I am pretty sure does not exist in this country, and something of a barfly.

From Los Angeles Times

The latter, released in November 1949, was a sweet tribute to the barfly regulars at that friendly venue.

From Seattle Times

He served as executive producer on author Norman Mailer’s 1987 adaptation of his novel “Tough Guys Don’t Dance” and produced Barbet Schroeder‘s 1987 drama “Barfly.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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