Hungover: meaning, definitions and examples

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hungover

 

[ ˈhʌŋˌoʊvər ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

feeling unwell

Hungover refers to the unpleasant physical effects that follow the heavy consumption of alcohol. Symptoms can include headaches, nausea, fatigue, and dehydration, commonly experienced the day after drinking. This condition can significantly impair an individual's ability to function normally.

Synonyms

dehydrated, nauseated, queasy, sick

Examples of usage

  • I feel absolutely hungover after last night's party.
  • He couldn't go to work because he was too hungover.
  • She drank too much and woke up feeling hungover.
  • After the celebration, a lot of us were hungover the next day.

Word origin

The word 'hungover' originated in the early 20th century, likely as a combination of 'hung', which refers to being suspended or left over from a previous state, and 'over', suggesting the aftermath of an experience. It is believed to have been derived from the phrase 'to hang over', indicating the sense of lingering effects from a previous night's drinking. The term has since evolved into common vernacular, particularly in relationship to the effects of alcohol consumption. As awareness and imagery of drinking culture spread globally, so too did the term 'hungover', reflecting not just the physical state of individuals but also cultural attitudes toward drinking and its consequences.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,468, 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.