alky

Tracy Toher expressed her concern about the problems in the city centre, posting: "Was in the town yesterday and it was full of junkies and alkies. I wouldn't go near the place if I could get away with it but I can't let my mum go on her own because she might get robbed."

Leo, under the impression that he used to be an alcoholic, attends an AA meeting and admits quite honestly that "I don't really remember my drinking days" (cue nods of recognition from the former alkies).

In Alcoholics Anonymous, we call the period from Thanksgiving through Christmas and New Year's Day the "Bermuda Triangle" of sobriety--many alkies come in, but not all make it through.

Andrea's Alkies won the Marsh United Ladies' Four-Team Final at Marsh United BC.

Yet if it's a non-famous person, they're called alkies and junkies, and there's no sympathy whatsoever.

"Nah, the guys in my band don't want to be superstars and they ain't junkies or alkies - they're my session boys and are great at what they do.

Gay men and women today may identify with racial minorities, but for most of the past century, gays were lumped in with crazies, alkies, spinsters, and eccentrics--they all ate at the same unmentionable table, preferably hidden.

Shahbaz sparked the latest row last night when he attacked Lisa for being drunk, branding her an "imbecile" and telling her: "I'm very hostile to alkies."

These days, alkies and drinkers can mix like gin and tonic.

Line-up: Bravehearts v Windmill B, Bermuda v Maz's Weekenders, Alfie's Five v Fife Street Nomads, Cabbage Cracks v Phil's Marauders, The Crew v The Dipsticks, Frag's Five v Wendy's Wonders, Wilf's Five v Fife Street Alkies.

If I get another three points, it'll go up by pounds 1,500; a further three, and I'll be banned from driving, lose my job, lapse into alcoholic homelessness and wind up with the alkies, junkies, crazies and glue-drinkers on Taff Embankment.