Old soak

Posted by R. Berg on May 13, 2007

In Reply to: Old soak posted by Smokey Stover on May 12, 2007

: : What does it mean if one says to another, "YOU WERE AN OLD SOAK AT THAT". Is this a navy term for something? I heard it being spoken by ex-royal navy people jokingly.

: The meaning in the New World is Old Sot, Old Toper, Old Boozer. Here, perhaps, "You sure used to soak it up."
: SS

Traditionally, drinking and navies go together. All that grog, you know. Introduction of a grog ration (rum and water) aboard ship was a reform; before that, the drink was straight rum. Old song: "What shall we do with the drunken sailor..." ~rb

• Old soak Smokey Stover 13/May/07