good drunk
A person who is cheerful and companionable when intoxicated, retaining reasonable control of his or her mental and emotional faculties.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“He is a good drunk who always makes everyone laugh.”
“Even after a few drinks at the party, he remained a good drunk and kept the conversation light and friendly.”
“While many people become aggressive when they drink, he remains a good drunk, maintaining his composure and pleasant demeanor throughout the evening.”
first recorded 20th c. disputed origin
Probably first used in literature in this manner by Ernest Hemingway in The Sun Also Rises (1926).
- 01
a good deal
Very much; to a great extent; a lot; lots.
- 02
all good
It's all good.
- 03
appeal from Philip drunk to Philip sober
To ask someone to reconsider a decision or view they took while their judgment was swayed by momentary passion, excitement, etc.
- 04
bill of goods
A set of misleading or deceptive claims.
- 05
but good
To a high degree; very thoroughly; in a most definite manner.
- 06
cheap drunk
Someone who is easily intoxicated.
- 07
come from a good place
To be motivated by decency, kindness, or good intentions.
- 08
come up with the goods
To produce what was expected or required.
Last updated August 10, 2026