brandy-bibbers

Updated: May 25, 2025

Then the literary men nearly always make the subject of drink attractive in one way or other. We laugh at Mr. Pickwick and all his gay set of brandy-bibbers; we laugh at John Ridd, with his few odd gallons of ale per day; but let any man be seen often in the condition which led to Mr. Pickwick's little accident, and see what becomes of him. He is soon shunned like a scabbed sheep.

James Runciman - The Ethics of Drink and Other Social Questions: Joints In Our Social Armour