'booze' originates from Middle English and earlier Dutch influence, specifically resembling Dutch words such as 'buizen' or Middle English 'bouse', where the root meant 'to drink'.

'booze' changed from Middle English 'bouse' (also seen as 'bouse(n)') and was influenced by Dutch terms (e.g. 'buizen'/'būsen'), eventually becoming the modern English 'booze' and its derived forms like 'boozing'.

Initially, it meant 'to drink' (often heavily); over time this narrowed and emphasized 'drinking alcohol, especially to excess', which remains the common modern meaning.