What Kind of Drunk Are You: Hemingway or Mary Poppins?

Research identifies drinking types using the five factor model of personality.

Posted May 22, 2025 | Reviewed by Margaret Foley

Whether you’re the life of the party after a few drinks or the quiet type who suddenly finds their voice after a beer, alcohol affects people differently—and not just in terms of slurred speech or coordination. In fact, your “drunk personality” might say a lot about how your traits shift under the influence. A 2015 study identified four primary types of drunk personalities , each rooted in recognizable changes in behavior and personality traits.

This taxonomy, developed through surveys and self-assessments, sheds light on the diverse ways individuals respond to alcohol. While some remain steady and dependable, others undergo dramatic transformations. These four types are based on changes in the “ Big Five ” personality traits— extraversion , agreeableness , conscientiousness , openness , and emotional stability —before and after drinking.

Here's a break down of the four types and what they might mean for you or the people you know.

1. The Ernest Hemingway

Named after the famous author known for holding his liquor, the Hemingway type experiences minimal personality changes when intoxicated. These individuals remain emotionally stable, conscientious, and relatively in control of their behaviors, even after several drinks. They may become slightly more sociable, but their core personality remains intact.

This type made up the largest group in the study. People who fall into this category are often seen as “good drinkers” in social settings because they appear to hold their alcohol well. However, this perception can also lead to risky behaviors, as others may underestimate their level of intoxication.

Just as the fictional nanny was known for her kindness and positivity, Mary Poppins drinkers tend to become even more agreeable and cheerful when they’ve had a few. These individuals are friendly, warm, and helpful—whether sober or tipsy—and their social grace seems to carry over into their drinking behavior.

The Mary Poppins type is generally low-risk in terms of alcohol-related problems, as their behaviors while drinking tend to reinforce positive relationships rather than harm them. They're the ones who make sure everyone gets home safely and smooth over awkward situations at parties.

3. The Nutty Professor

This type represents the classic introvert who transforms into a social butterfly after drinking. Inspired by the shy , nerdy character who becomes charismatic and uninhibited, the Nutty Professor shows the most dramatic increase in extraversion when intoxicated.

For these individuals, alcohol acts as a social lubricant, allowing them to express themselves more freely and engage with others in ways they might avoid when sober. While this transformation can be liberating, it can also be problematic if the person becomes reliant on alcohol to feel confident or outgoing in social settings.

As the name suggests, the Mr. Hyde type is associated with negative changes in behavior. These individuals experience significant decreases in conscientiousness, agreeableness, and intellect when drunk. They may become aggressive, impulsive, or erratic, leading to increased risks of conflict, injury, or legal issues.

This is the smallest but most concerning group, as their behavioral changes while intoxicated can strain relationships, lead to regrettable decisions, and signal a higher likelihood of alcohol abuse . Understanding and addressing these shifts in behavior is crucial for harm reduction and treatment planning.

Knowing your drunk personality type isn't just a party trick—it has real psychological and behavioral implications. Certain types (particularly Mr. Hyde) are more prone to experience alcohol-related consequences, such as blackouts, fights, or DUIs. Meanwhile, Mary Poppins and Hemingway types tend to report fewer issues.

This framework can help individuals reflect on their drinking habits, recognize patterns, and make healthier choices. For example, someone who consistently becomes aggressive or impulsive after drinking might benefit from moderating their intake or exploring the underlying emotional triggers that alcohol amplifies.

Understanding these types can help friends, family members, and clinicians better support individuals in navigating their relationship with alcohol. After all, personality doesn’t disappear with a drink—it just becomes more pronounced in some areas and diminished in others.

So next time you reach for a glass of wine or a pint of beer, consider asking yourself not just “How much have I had?” but “Who am I becoming?”

Winograd, R.P., Steinley, D., & Sher, K. (2016). Searching for Mr. Hyde : A five-factor approach to characterizing ‘‘types of drunks’’. Addict Res Theory, 2016; 24(1): 1–8.

Costa, P. T., & McCrae, R. R. (1992). Revised NEO Personality Inventory (NEO-PI-R) and NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI) . Psychological Assessment Resources.

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Kevin Bennett, Ph.D., is a teaching professor of social-personality psychology at Penn State University Beaver Campus and host of Kevin Bennett Is Snarling, a podcast about danger, deception, and desire.

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This article is part of the Bringwise Psychology Journal — daily insights on human behavior, mental health, and personal growth.