Lush--The Noun

Posted by Bob March 26, 2002In reply to Lush--The Noun posted by R. Berg on March 26, 2002

Here in the US someone who abuses alcohol is called a "lush".
Anybody know the origin/derivation?
I thank you in advance,
bk

The American Heritage Dict. says "Origin unknown." The Dict. of Amer. Slang gives "liquor" as one meaning of "lush": archaic since c. 1920. "Lush" as a heavy drinker is labeled "very widespread since c. 1920." So possibly the word for the person developed from the word for the beverage.

When did Duke Ellington write "Lush Life"? Connection?

Replies

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