Swigger

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. To partake in the act of drinking quickly or with enthusiasm, especially alcoholic beverages, often reflecting a carefree or reckless attitude
2. To engage in the act of consuming drinks rapidly or with noticeable eagerness, often indicating a lack of concern for moderation or consequences
3. To consume beverages swiftly, showing enthusiasm especially for alcoholic drinks

Etymology: "Swigger" is simply "swig" with the agent suffix "-er", which means one who performs the action, so a swigger is one who swigs. The suffix itself has a long pedigree: it travelled from Latin "-arius" through Old French "-ier" and reached English in Middle English, where it was already productive. English speakers attached it to countless verbs, from "baker" to "hunter," and "swigger" follows that familiar pattern. What the word describes is the act of drinking deeply and without much ceremony, and the noun turns that single gulp into a habit of character. A swigger is someone whose drinking is heavy and repeated rather than occasional.