Simple definition:

Volatile substance that alters the state of the body and perception; used both as a drink and as a medicinal agent.

Conceptual definition:

dəbūsẙ designates alcohol as an "agent of disorganization and rebalancing": that which can numb, warm, disinhibit or cleanse, depending on the context and quantity.

Formed by two sound gestures:

"dəbū-" imitates the slurred and unstable speech of someone drunk
"-sẙ" represents the aspirated sound of deep inspiration, associated with the act of sniffing medical alcohol to “get back on track”

The word therefore combines "momentary loss of control" and "attempt to re-center, two effects culturally linked to alcohol.

Iconic value:

• instability
• state change
• heat / burning
• temporary deviation from the bodily or mental axis