‘Beer goggles’ study finds alcohol does not make people seem better looking

US research casts doubt on anecdotal evidence, but suggests drinking may give you courage' to approach attractive people

If you thought beauty was in the eye of the beer holder, think again. Scientists have poured cold water - or rather, vodka - on the existence of beer goggles": the idea that alcohol makes other people appear better looking. However, it may arm you with the liquid courage" to approach attractive people, the research suggests.

The term beer goggles" is said to have been coined by male North American university students in the 1980s. Yet despite anecdotal evidence for the phenomenon, the link between alcohol intoxication and physical attraction has not been systematically studied.