“Bar fly” is a term used to describe someone who spends a lot of time in bars. It originated as a derogatory term for alcoholics, but now refers to regulars who may not have a drinking problem. The term has been used in popular culture, and variations are used by social clubs and bands.
“Bar fly” is an idiomatic expression used to describe an individual who is believed to spend an inordinate amount of time in bars and taverns. The term probably derives from the small insect of the same name, also known as the vinegar fly, which is attracted to alcoholic beverages. “Juicer,” “lush,” and “drunkard” are synonymous slang terms. The term was once a direct implication of alcoholism, although the connotation has weakened over time.
Bars and taverns were historically centers of news and business, and less exclusively just places to go for booze. In the 19th century, many establishments began to specialize in serving drinks only, giving up their former air of formality and emphasizing cheap booze and a relaxed attitude. The term bar fly probably arose in the years prior to the enactment of Prohibition in the United States, between 1910 and 1910, as a derogatory term for alcoholics who almost lived in such establishments.
In the early 21st century, a bar fly has become less a characterization of overt alcoholism and more a synonym for the less negative term “regular.” A regular is a person who frequents the same clubs at or near the night without specific mention of drinking to excess. Staff and management typically know a regular by name and offer them perks, such as a reserved seat at the bar. While a drinking problem may indeed exist, an individual’s status as regular does not assume it.
The classic archetype of the bar fly is a common character in popular culture. Among the best known is Barney Gumble, a character from the television program The Simpsons. Gumble is portrayed as a dimwitted, dimwitted alcoholic who spends virtually all of his waking hours sneaking up to the local bar. He is hopelessly addicted to drink and his looks, intellect and speech have been affected. Characters who exemplify the modern connotation of a bar fly include Norm from the television series Cheers. Habitually greeted by a collective “Norm!” upon entering the Cheers bar, Norm shows no symptoms of a drinking problem, but receives the warm, familiar treatment of a regular.
Given its connotations, variations of the term bar fly are commonly used by regional bands, drinking groups and social clubs, usually in an ironic or mocking way. There are over half a dozen bands called The Bar Flies located in various parts of the United States and countless bowling teams, weekend softball teams, and fantasy sports leagues. Several bars around the world are themselves called Bar Fly or some variation thereof.
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