Bingeing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bingeing

[ˈbɪn.dʒɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

eating/drinking excessively

Bingeing refers to the act of consuming food, drink, or other substances in large quantities in a single sitting or over a short period. It is often associated with a lack of control over the intake, which can lead to negative physical or emotional consequences. The term is commonly used to describe behaviors related to eating disorders, such as binge-eating disorder, where individuals consume excessive amounts of food despite not being hungry. Bingeing can also apply to watching television or engaging in other leisure activities for prolonged periods.

Synonyms

excessive consumption, feasting, gorging, overindulging.

Examples of usage

  • After a long week, she ended up bingeing on her favorite snacks.
  • He spent the entire weekend bingeing the latest series on Netflix.
  • Bingeing on junk food can lead to health problems.
  • During the holidays, many people find themselves bingeing on sweets.
  • They were bingeing on video games all night.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Bingeing can be a coping mechanism for stress, allowing individuals to escape reality temporarily.
  • Research has found that binge-watching can affect sleep patterns and emotional well-being, often leading to feelings of guilt or anxiety afterward.
  • People often binge due to the dopamine release from enjoying content or food, which reinforces the behavior.

Pop Culture

  • The rise of streaming services has popularized bingeing, with platforms releasing all episodes of a show at once.
  • Social media buzz often drives binge behavior, as audiences rush to watch shows before spoilers are revealed.
  • The term 'binge-watch' was added to the Oxford Dictionaries in 2013, highlighting its growing cultural significance.

Health

  • Binge eating is classified as a serious eating disorder, impacting physical and mental health.
  • Studies show that regular bingeing on unhealthy foods can lead to obesity and related health issues.
  • It’s recommended to practice moderation and mindfulness to prevent the negative side effects of binge eating or watching.

Literature

  • Many contemporary novels explore themes of binge behavior as a reflection of modern life's pressures.
  • Characters who binge often illustrate the struggle between personal desires and societal expectations.
  • Bingeing has been used as a narrative device to show character development and transformation in literature.

Origin of 'bingeing'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originally comes from the dialect of the UK, meaning to 'soak' or 'drench,' reflecting the idea of indulging heavily.
  • It was first recorded in the late 19th century, primarily related to drinking alcohol excessively.
  • Over time, the meaning expanded to include overeating and watching TV or movies nonstop.

The term 'binge' originated from the British English dialect in the mid-19th century, derived from 'binge' meaning 'to soak' or 'to soak up.' The word began to be associated more with the idea of overindulgence, particularly in the realm of drinking. By the late 20th century, 'bingeing' evolved to encompass not just excessive drinking but also excessive eating and other behaviors. The rise of binge-eating disorder as a recognized condition further popularized the term in clinical and general discourse. Today, bingeing can apply to a wide range of activities, reflecting a broader cultural awareness of consumption patterns and their impacts on health and well-being.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,078, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.