A keg stand is a drinking activity where the participant does a

handstand A handstand is the act of supporting the body in a stable, inverted vertical position by balancing on the hands. In a basic handstand, the body is held straight with arms and legs fully extended, with hands spaced approximately shoulder-width apar ...

on a

keg A keg is a small cask used for storing liquids. Wooden kegs made by a cooper were used to transport nails, gunpowder, and a variety of liquids. Nowadays a keg is normally constructed of stainless steel, although aluminium can be used if it is ...

beer Beer is an alcoholic beverage produced by the brewing and fermentation of starches from cereal grain—most commonly malted barley, although wheat, maize (corn), rice, and oats are also used. The grain is mashed to convert starch in the ...

and attempts to drink as much as possible at once or to drink for as long as possible. Other people will help hold up the drinker's legs, and will hold the keg tap in the stander's mouth, as they will have both hands occupied with the handstand.

Origin

The origin of the keg stand is unclear, but it is a staple in American college culture, especially in fraternities and jamborees. They are frequently featured in popular media within fraternity or sorority events.

Potential Hazards

Naturally, keg stands exhibit the same risks as performing a regular handstand, which may increase in level of harm due to the alcoholic side effects of the beer itself. Drinking a large amount of beer, especially during a single sitting may cause alcohol poisoning or overdose. Side effects include dizziness, nausea, increased

blood alcohol concentration Blood alcohol content (BAC), also called blood alcohol concentration or blood alcohol level, is a measurement of alcohol intoxication used for legal or medical purposes. BAC is expressed as mass of alcohol per volume of blood. In US and many i ...

, and potentially permanent damage to the brain, liver, and other organs. In September of 2002, Seth Korona, a student at

Indiana University Indiana University (IU) is a state university system, system of Public university, public universities in the U.S. state of Indiana. The system has two core campuses, five regional campuses, and two regional centers under the administration o ...

, was killed after hitting his head while performing a keg stand. His friends, believing he was hungover, ignored him until he was transported to the hospital and died shortly after.

References

Drinking culture Drinking games {{Beer-stub