alky

[ al-kee ]

noun

, Slang.

, plural al·kies.

1. Disparaging and Offensive. a person with alcoholism or alcohol use disorder; an alcoholic.
2. alcohol.

alky

/ ˈælkɪ /

noun

1. slang.
   a heavy drinker or alcoholic

Word History and Origins

Origin of alky¹

First recorded in 1840–50; respelling of alc(ohol) + -y ²

Example Sentences

Relief that these alkies were not mine to save.

From The New Yorker

She has some of the bruised sweetness of Denis Johnson’s alkies and junkies in “Jesus’ Son.”

From New York Times

“I wanted an old alky. I got a young jew from New York-and he was magnificent,” Brooks said in another interview.

From Time

The eventual result from the alky is supposed to be a high-octane, clean-burning gasoline with anti-knock properties.

From Chicago Tribune

In Hollywood, a town that provided a lot of competition for shenanigans, he was one of the foremost cokies, alkies, crazies.

From Time

Related Words

• drunk
• substance abuser