Barfly: meaning, definitions and examples
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barfly
[ ˈbɑːrˌflaɪ ]
social setting
A barfly is a person who spends a lot of time drinking in bars, often to the detriment of their personal life or responsibilities. Typically, a barfly frequents the same establishment, becoming a familiar face among the staff and other regular patrons. This lifestyle can be seen as either a social choice or a sign of underlying issues, such as a struggle with alcohol dependency. Barflies often engage in conversations with other customers and may develop a sense of community, even while their behavior may raise concerns among those who care for them.
Synonyms
boozier, drinker, regular, tippler
Examples of usage
- He was a barfly, always at the same corner table.
- The barfly was well-known among the staff.
- She spent every evening at the bar, a true barfly.
- His friends worried about him being a barfly.
- The barfly shared stories of his youth.
Translations
Translations of the word "barfly" in other languages:
🇵🇹 frequentador de bar
🇮🇳 बार में जाने वाला व्यक्ति
🇩🇪 Stammgast
🇮🇩 pengunjung bar
🇺🇦 постійний клієнт бару
🇵🇱 stały klient baru
🇯🇵 バーの常連客
🇫🇷 habitué du bar
🇪🇸 cliente habitual del bar
🇹🇷 bar müdavimi
🇰🇷 바의 단골 손님
🇸🇦 زبون دائم في الحانة
🇨🇿 stálý návštěvník baru
🇸🇰 stály návštevník baru
🇨🇳 酒吧常客
🇸🇮 stalni obiskovalec bara
🇮🇸 fastagestur á barnum
🇰🇿 бардың тұрақты қонағы
🇬🇪 ბარის მუდმივი სტუმარი
🇦🇿 bar müştərisi
🇲🇽 cliente habitual del bar
Word origin
The term 'barfly' combines 'bar,' referring to a place where alcoholic beverages are served, and 'fly,' which in this context evokes the idea of someone who flits from place to place, or in this case, a person who frequently visits bars. The word gained popularity in the United States during the 20th century, reflecting a cultural shift towards social drinking and the establishment of bars as social hubs. The term can carry both affectionate and negative connotations, depending on the context in which it's used, highlighting the dual nature of leisure and excess in modern society. As urbanization grew and nightlife became more prominent, the archetype of the barfly began to emerge in American literature and films, often depicted as a character who embodies both charm and melancholy, losing themselves in the comforts of alcohol and social interaction.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #41,997, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.