Soused Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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soused
[ˈsaʊsɪd ]
Definition
informal context
A 'soused' is a slang term often used to refer to someone who is drunk or intoxicated. It implies that the person has consumed a significant amount of alcohol. The term may also suggest a certain lack of self-control due to this intoxication.
Synonyms
drunk, inebriated, intoxicated, tipsy.
Examples of usage
- He was completely soused after the party last night.
- Don't invite John; he gets soused every time we go out.
- The soused crowd stumbled out of the bar.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Literature
- The term appears in various literary works, symbolizing the humorous or tragic consequences of excessive drinking.
- Writers often use 'soused' to evoke strong imagery, portraying characters as carefree or foolish while inebriated.
- Shakespeare employed terms related to being 'soused' to highlight folly and the human condition in plays like 'Othello.'
Pop Culture
- 'Soused' has been used in songs and movies to depict characters who are overly intoxicated, often leading to comedic scenarios.
- In modern slang, it suggests not just drunkenness but a playful or light-hearted take on being drunk.
- The phrase 'soused like a pig' is commonly used, drawing on imagery that aligns drunkenness with animalistic behavior.
Psychology
- Research shows that when under the influence, individuals often experience impaired judgement and exaggerated emotions.
- Being 'soused' can lead to altered social interactions, often resulting in either enhanced sociability or aggressive behavior.
- The phenomenon of 'liquid courage' illustrates how many feel more confident when 'soused,' impacting decision-making.
Health
- Regularly being 'soused' can have detrimental effects on health, including liver damage and addiction.
- It is important to note that each person metabolizes alcohol differently, affecting how they experience being 'soused.'
- Public health campaigns often warn about the risks of excessive drinking, highlighting the serious consequences of being frequently 'soused.'
Origin of 'soused'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'soused' comes from the Middle English word 'souse,' meaning to steep in liquid.
- Originally, it referred to food being pickled or soaked, showing how the meaning has shifted over time.
- In the 1500s, it began to be used informally to describe someone under the influence of alcohol.
The term 'soused' originates from the Middle English word 'sousen,' which means to steep or soak. This word evolved in the 16th century, where it began to be associated with the saturation of substances, particularly in the context of alcohol consumption. Over time, the meaning shifted to specifically denote a state of drunkenness, stemming from the idea that someone who is 'soused' has soaked themselves in alcohol. It has been used in various dialects of English, often in a humorous or derogatory context, to signify excessive drinking and the resulting behavior that comes with it. The informal usage of 'soused' has been widely adopted in modern vernacular, especially in American English, and continues to be a colorful way to describe inebriation.