shicker: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (Obsolete/Dialectal)Archaic/Dialectal/Colloquial (Historical)
Quick answer
What does “shicker” mean?
Drunk.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Drunk; intoxicated with alcohol.
To act or be in a state of drunkenness; can also refer to a habitual drunkard.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Historically slightly more attested in British usage (especially London/East End slang) due to Yiddish influence. In American English, it was primarily used within immigrant (Jewish) communities and is now equally archaic.
Connotations
Carries a colloquial, often slightly humorous or gritty historical connotation.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties. It is a historical curiosity rather than active vocabulary.
Grammar
How to Use “shicker” in a Sentence
be/become/get + shickershicker (adj.)a shicker (n.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “shicker” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He'd go out and shicker himself every Friday night down the pub.
American English
- After the party, they managed to shicker themselves on cheap wine.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Only in historical/linguistic studies of slang or Yiddish loanwords.
Everyday
Not used in contemporary everyday language.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “shicker”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shicker”
- Using it in modern formal writing.
- Assuming it is a common contemporary term.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very rare, archaic, and dialectal term. You are unlikely to encounter it outside of historical texts or specialized dictionaries.
Yes, historically it could refer to a drunkard (e.g., 'He's an old shicker'), though its adjectival use ('He's shicker') was more common.
It derives from Yiddish 'shiker' (drunk, drunkard), which itself comes from Hebrew 'shikkor'.
For learners of modern English, it is only useful for passive recognition in historical contexts. Active use would sound very odd or be misunderstood.
Drunk.
Shicker is usually archaic/dialectal/colloquial (historical) in register.
Shicker: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃɪkə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃɪkər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms found; term itself is effectively idiomatic]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'SCHicker' as 'SCH-nockered' – a tipsy, shuffling walk after too many drinks.
Conceptual Metaphor
DRUNKENNESS IS A DISABLED STATE (shickered = incapacitated).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'shicker' MOST likely to be found today?