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Is there a single word for someone who CAN drink a lot? He is not necessarily an alcoholic, but when he drinks, he can drink everyone under the table.

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Most of the words that come to mind are archaic, which I don't think it what you're looking for. Interestingly, in Benjamin Franklin's time, you could have said someone was "biggy," which I could see coming back into use. Other things you could call your drinker would be soak or toper. I can't think of any modern word that doesn't also mean alcoholic, however. Here's Franklin's list of related words: https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Franklin/01-02-02-0029

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People, who can't hold their alcohol well, are called lightweight.

The antonym and the word, which you are looking for, is a heavyweight.

Obviously, these two words are slang and not very formal.

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  • You would need to use this strictly in context, since heavyweight is also used in some sports. Aug 5, 2019 at 12:49
  • There's 'hard drinker' too. Aug 5, 2019 at 12:50

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