drunken master

Inebriated martial artist

Drunken master refers to a martial arts style that mimics the movements of an intoxicated person—stumbling, swaying, and unpredictable footwork that disguises powerful strikes.

The term gained wide recognition through kung fu films, particularly Jackie Chan's Drunken Master (1978).

More broadly, it describes anyone whose apparent impairment masks surprising competence: He codes like a drunken master—looks chaotic but the output is flawless.

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Jackie Chan · intoxicated · sway · unpredictable · monk · temple · comedy · acrobatic · flask · stagger · dodge · balance · technique · opponent · bamboo · training · wobble · strike

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Opposites
competence despite appearance

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drunk, drunken, drunkard, drunkenly, drunkenness, drink, drinks, drinker, drinking

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Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Rated PG