General
locked
What does locked mean?
As a warning or boast about how drunk someone got.
"I was so locked I left my coat in the taxi."
Origin
Hiberno-English slang for drunkenness, one of dozens of Irish terms for intoxication. The exact image is uncertain, perhaps 'locked up' or rigid with drink.
Frequently asked questions
What does locked mean in Irish slang?
It means very drunk — completely intoxicated, often beyond the point of coherence.
Is locked only used for drink?
In Irish slang, yes — 'locked' specifically means drunk, distinct from its everyday 'secured' meaning.
What are other Irish words for drunk?
Plenty — 'langers', 'ossified', 'plastered', 'twisted', and 'in bits' all mean very drunk.
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