What is the Yiddish expression for being drunk?

If someone has indulged in a bit too much celebratory wine, the classic Yiddish term to describe their state is shikker. This expressive word is borrowed directly from the Hebrew word shikkor, which means "drunk" or "drunkard." It’s a versatile term that can be used as an adjective to describe the temporary state of intoxication ("He is shikker") or as a noun to describe a person who drinks to excess ("Don't be a shikker").

The word exists within a fascinating cultural context. Alcohol, particularly wine, plays an integral role in many Jewish rituals, from the weekly blessing over wine on Shabbat to the four cups consumed at the Passover Seder. However, while drinking is part of tradition, public drunkenness has historically been frowned upon. This creates a distinction between the sanctified act of drinking and the negative condition of being a shikker. The term has since entered mainstream English slang, especially in cities with large Jewish populations.