English · Slang Attested

crook one's elbow

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Also seen as: crook your elbow

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To consume alcoholic drink.

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

His first drink went over in a gulp and Jol had the second ready for him when he set down the empty glass. Just as Nord was crooking his elbow on the second drink, a small, rat-faced man sidled up to him at the bar.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To crook one's elbow, and wish it may never come straight, if the fact then affirmed is not true--according to the casuists of Bow-street and St. Giles's, adds great weight and efficacy to an oath.

Era: ca. 1811 (Georgian)

Where it’s used: Origin British & Irish English

Sources & notes

Historical definition reproduced from Grose’s Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue (1811 edition, public domain; Project Gutenberg #5402, retrieved 2026-07-31). Reflects the attitudes of its era.

Topics: Arms Historical slang (1800s)

Common questions

What does “crook one's elbow” mean?

To consume alcoholic drink.

Is “crook one's elbow” formal or informal?

crook one's elbow is generally slang.