tight as a tick

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

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Drunk, inebriated.

Register: slang

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

For there ain't no kick Getting tight as a tick When you know that you're not breaking the law

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

Fully inflated; swollen near to bursting.

Sources & notes

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

Sense 3

Meaning · English

Unwilling to spend money.

Register: slang

Sources & notes

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

Common questions

What does “tight as a tick” mean?

Drunk, inebriated.

Is “tight as a tick” formal or informal?

tight as a tick is generally slang.