Sozzled American buddy forgetting name (5)

I believe the answer is:

fried

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'sozzled american buddy forgetting name' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'forgetting name' is the wordplay.
'forgetting' becomes 'fri' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'name' becomes 'Ed' (short for Edward).
'fri'+'ed'='FRIED'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for fried that I've seen before include "Cooked on a hot surface" , "Cooked in oil" , "Such as cooking chips" , "Cooked in oil/fat" , "Sauteed" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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