Originally, barfly literally may have referred to the ubiquitous vinegar fly Drosophila melanogaster, commonly attracted to alcohol and hence an expected visitor to drinking establishments. It has been said that this small fly is trapped in liquor bottles not properly sealed.
The above is anecdotal. The etymology of barfly probably lies in the archetypal behaviour of most flies being strongly attracted to some much preferred destination. In the vernacular of our time, the term barfly (also bar fly) refers to a person who spends much time (and, usually, much money) at an establishment that serves alcoholic drink.
Barfly may also mean:
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