What does “Pissed” mean?
The phrase "pissed" means being ""very drunk"" specifically in British English. It does not refer to someone being angry or annoyed.
How is the expression used in real life?
Example
After a night of heavy drinking, he was absolutely pissed.
Example
She got pissed at the party and couldn't remember what happened.
Example
I had too much to drink last night; I was completely pissed.
What context can I use each expression in?
- 1Describing someone's level of intoxication
After a night of heavy drinking, he was absolutely pissed.
She got pissed at the party and couldn't remember what happened.
- 2Expressing personal experience with excessive drinking
I had too much to drink last night; I was completely pissed.
We went out for a few drinks and ended up getting pissed.
- 3Discussing the effects of alcohol
He was so pissed that he couldn't walk straight.
She woke up feeling terrible after getting pissed the night before.
Good things to know:
What is the origin of the phrase?
In British English, "pissed" is commonly used to describe someone who is very drunk, not angry or annoyed. It originated from the slang term 'pissed as a newt,' which means extremely intoxicated. The word 'pissed' in this context refers to the act of urinating frequently, which is a common symptom of excessive alcohol consumption.
Can the phrase be used on its own?
The phrase "pissed" can be used on its own to convey that someone is heavily intoxicated. For example, if someone asks how the party was, you might respond with "Pissed!" to indicate that you were very drunk.
Is the phrase offensive?
The term "pissed" is not offensive in itself, but it is considered slightly vulgar due to its association with alcohol and intoxication.
Audience for the phrase
The term "pissed" is commonly used in British English and is understood by native speakers in the UK. It is more commonly used by younger generations and those familiar with British slang.
Is the phrase specific to an accent or country?
The term "pissed" is specific to British English and is primarily used in the UK. While it may be understood by English speakers in other regions, it is not as commonly used or recognized outside of the UK.