Jake

Jake

JAYK dʒeɩk
Noun

A homeless or unkempt person (usually describing an alcoholic).

Example Sentences

"There's an auld jake sleeping in the doorway."
"Don't end up like a jake."

Etymology & History

Scottish term for homeless alcoholic, possibly from "Jake" (cheap alcohol made from Jamaica ginger). Used in Glasgow and Edinburgh street culture.

Word Details

📍
Region
Scotland
📅
Era
1950s
✓
Language
mild
💎
Formality
informal
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Anglotopia's Dictionary of British English 2nd Edition

British Slang from A to Zed

By Jonathan Thomas

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