He's in his cups

Posted by RRC March 27, 2007In reply to He's in his cups posted by David FG on March 27, 2007

The phrase is "he's in his cups/" I think it means he's drunk and may have an Irish connection. I would like to know it's origin.

It's Biblical, I think. It does indeed mean drunk, but I am unaware of its being particularly Irish.

DFG

It's not in KJV, but one reference says it goes back to the 1400's. Perhaps someone has an OED handy?

Replies

He's in his cups David FG 28/March/07
- He's in his cups RRC 30/March/07
  - He's in his cups Lewis 05/April/07