What phrase(s) do you use to describe being tipsy?

Our Regency era gentlemen had a few phrases depending on company and the level of intoxication. Something important to know with these terms is they were gentlemen slang and not words a gentlewoman would be likely to use or hear.

In his cups—drunk

A trifle disguised—slightly drunk

Foxed—inebriated

Bosky—inebriated  

Ape-drunk—very drunk

Be with malt over water—drunk

Drunk as a wheelbarrow—very drunk

Eaten Hull cheese—drunk

Half-sprung—tipsy

Jug-bitten—inebriated

A little cut over the head—tipsy  

Properly shot in the neck—drunk

Tap-hackled—drunk

Top-heavy—drunk

Most of these can be spotted in Georgette Heyer’s writing since she loved to include slang and thieves cant, words and phrases that would be heard in a gambling den but not in a drawing room!

Bookmark these lists for fun, which include common Regency slang, Georgette Heyer slang, and thieves cant: https://candicehern.com/regencyworld/language/