When it comes to expressing states of intoxication, we often find ourselves searching for alternative ways to describe being “drunk.” Whether you’re looking for formal or informal terms, it’s useful to have a variety of words at your disposal. In this guide, we’ll explore numerous alternatives to describe being intoxicated, ranging from the casual to the more sophisticated. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Informal Terms for Being Drunk
1. Hammered: This term figuratively suggests being hit hard by alcohol, usually indicating a complete loss of control.
Example: After a few shots of tequila, Jake was completely hammered and could barely walk straight.
2. Wasted: When someone is “wasted,” it implies that they have consumed more alcohol than their body can handle, resulting in a significant level of intoxication.
Example: We all got wasted at the party last night and ended up singing karaoke until the early hours of the morning!
3. Plastered: This slang term refers to being heavily intoxicated, often to the point of being unaware of one’s surroundings.
Example: Sarah got so plastered at her birthday celebration that she woke up the next morning with no memory of the night.
4. Blitzed: Often used in casual conversation, being “blitzed” indicates extreme intoxication or being highly under the influence of alcohol.
Example: The group of friends headed to the club and got blitzed on cocktails and shots.
5. Sloshed: This term implies being excessively intoxicated, often resulting in uncoordinated movements and slurred speech.
Example: John had a few too many drinks at the bar, and by midnight, he was completely sloshed.
Formal Terms for Being Drunk
1. Inebriated: A more sophisticated word, “inebriated” indicates a state of intoxication resulting from alcohol consumption, suggesting a lack of sobriety.
Example: The attendees at the gala dinner were warned not to arrive in an inebriated state, as it would be frowned upon.
2. Intoxicated: A commonly used formal term, “intoxicated” describes the state of being affected by alcohol or drugs, often leading to impaired judgment.
Example: The driver was pulled over for suspected drunk driving as he showed clear signs of being intoxicated.
3. Under the Influence: This phrase denotes the condition of being affected by alcohol or drugs, suggesting a diminished ability to make rational decisions.
Example: The party host reminded everyone not to consume alcohol to the point of being under the influence while still on his premises.
4. Tipsy: A milder term, “tipsy” suggests being slightly drunk, often leading to a sense of lightheadedness or increased sociability.
Example: After having just one glass of champagne, Sarah felt a bit tipsy and more comfortable chatting with strangers.
5. Merry: This word, often used euphemistically during festive occasions, indicates being slightly intoxicated and in a cheerful mood.
Example: The annual office Christmas party had a lot of merry employees dancing and celebrating together.
Regional Variations
While there are some regional variations in terms used to describe being drunk, it is important to note that informal terminology often crosses borders. Nevertheless, here are a few examples of regionally specific phrases:
British Slang:
- Legless: An informal term widely used in Britain, it refers to being extremely drunk, often unable to walk.
Example: After a few hours at the pub, Jack was completely legless and had to call a taxi to get home.
Australian Slang:
- Blotto: A popular term in Australia, “blotto” suggests being heavily intoxicated, equivalent to being “wasted” in other regions.
Example: The group of friends enjoyed a wild night out and ended up completely blotto by the end of it.
American Slang:
- Sloshed: Although used globally, “sloshed” is more commonly heard in the United States to describe a state of being drunk.
Example: The couple attending the wedding reception got a little too carried away with the drinks and ended up sloshed by the end of the night.
Remember, using these regional variations can add a touch of authenticity if you’re looking for a more localized portrayal of intoxication.
In conclusion, there are numerous terms to effectively portray being “drunk,” ranging from informal slang to more formal expressions. Incorporating this colorful vocabulary into your conversations can bring depth and a touch of creativity to your descriptions of inebriation. Cheers and drink responsibly!
