drunkometer
Low / Very RareInformal, Slang, Humorous
Definition
Meaning
A slang term for a breathalyser; a device used by police to estimate blood alcohol content from a breath sample.
Colloquially, any unofficial or makeshift test or situation used to gauge someone's level of intoxication.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is a humorous, non-technical blend of 'drunk' and '-meter' (measuring device). It is not an official term for law enforcement equipment, which is properly called a breathalyser (UK) or breathalyzer (US). Its use implies a degree of informal judgment or rough estimation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The concept exists in both cultures, but the slang term 'drunkometer' itself is extremely rare and not standard in either. The official device is a 'breathalyser' (UK) or 'breathalyzer' (US).
Connotations
Humorous, dated, possibly reminiscent of mid-20th century slang. Its use today would likely be for deliberate, jocular effect.
Frequency
Exceedingly rare in contemporary use. The standard terms 'breathalyser' and 'breath test' are dominant in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to blow into the drunkometerto be tested on the drunkometerto fail the drunkometerVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to blow the drunkometer: to provide a breath sample for testing”
- “to be over the drunkometer: to exceed the legal alcohol limit”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used in formal scientific or legal contexts.
Everyday
Only in highly informal, joking conversation, e.g., 'My headache is my personal drunkometer this morning.'
Technical
Not a technical term. The correct terms are 'evidential breath analyser' or 'preliminary breath tester'.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The police have a machine to test drivers. It is called a breathalyser.
- In some old films, you might hear a policeman talk about a 'drunkometer', but today we say 'breathalyser'.
- He jokingly referred to his unsteady walk as his 'personal drunkometer' after the party.
- The term 'drunkometer', a blend of 'drunk' and the suffix '-meter', is a humorous, non-technical synonym for a breath analysis device, reflecting a folk conceptualisation of measuring intoxication.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a meter (like a speedometer) with a needle that points to 'DRUNK' instead of a speed. DRUNK-O-METER.
Conceptual Metaphor
INTOXICATION IS A MEASURABLE QUANTITY (like temperature or pressure).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation (e.g., 'пьянометр') as it sounds like non-existent slang. Use the standard term 'алкотестер' or 'дыхалка' (slang).
- Do not confuse with 'алкоголеметр', which is more technical/scientific.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'drunkometer' in formal or legal writing.
- Spelling it as 'drunkometer' (incorrect).
- Thinking it is a standard, widely understood term.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'drunkometer' be LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a documented slang term, but it is not the standard, official word used by law enforcement or in legal contexts. It is considered informal and humorous.
The standard terms are 'breathalyser' (UK) or 'breathalyzer' (US). Technical terms include 'evidential breath analyser'.
Only in very informal settings where you are making a deliberate joke or using dated slang for effect. It is not recommended for general use.
It is extremely rare and equally non-standard in both varieties. The concept is universal, but this specific slang term is obscure.