Jaiky
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Not so much descriptive noun as cultural phenomenon, the jaiky (also spelt jakey) has been a feature of Scottish life for at least 3 centuries. In current usage, the term refers to a member of the male sex how enjoys the peculiar mode of drunkenness conferred by cheap and (especially) sweet beverages.
Derivation
Despite the difficulties inherent in determining the origins of words belonging so completely to the venacular of one culture, there is a clear case for the etymology of 'jaiky'. The term is believed to be suprisingly old, the word 'jaik' or 'jake' being the Scots or Lallans version of the cheap sherry that the English language had as 'sack', beloved of Falstaff and the 17th century in general.
Jaiky Drinks
The key distingushing feature of the jaiky is the choice of alcohol. It is predominently sweet and usually of around 15-25% by volume. Examples of drinks and brands favoured are: Woodpecker or White Lightening Cider, Buckfast Fortified Wine and Mad Dog 20/20, the latter being a sweet, syrypy drink available in strawberry and kiwi flavours with some unrefined spirit as a base. An important feature of the jaiky is his preference for certain brands and flavours, and not just getting as drunk as possible for as cheaply as possible. This is exampled by his choice of Buckfast Wine, despite this being now far more expensive than the cheapest port wine available in most establishments.
Famous Jaikies
Although it is unusual for a jaiky to become famous, there are a number of documented examples:
- Shakespeare's clown John Lowin
- The actor John Belushi
- The musician Gerry Rafferty
- Sir John Falstaff
- Rab C. Nesbitt
- Shoeless Josie, the subject of a well-known folk dance.
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