barfly

[bahr-flahy]

noun

Slang.

plural

barflies 

1. a person who frequents barrooms.

barfly

/ ˈbɑːflaɪ /

noun

1. informal,  a person who frequents bars

Word History and Origins

Origin of barfly¹

An Americanism dating back to 1905–10; bar ¹ + fly ¹

Example Sentences

In a world that’s now rammed with loneliness, it’s easy to watch Norm and think, “I wish I had what that barfly had.”

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George Wendt, the actor best known for his starring role as perpetual barfly Norm Peterson through the full run of the NBC sitcom ‘Cheers,’ has died at 76.

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The movies were “Angel Heart,” “A Prayer for the Dying” and “Barfly.”

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The film’s meet-cute happens while fighting over the city’s last box of special Hanukkah candles, but it’s her love interest’s grandfather and resident barfly Sam, played by Marc Summers, known to many as the former host of Nickelodeon‘s game show “Double Dare,” who steals the movie.

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“Mommie Dearest” was a setback, followed a few years later by “Barfly,” which was an attempt at a comeback.

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