Sozzled

Sozzled describes a state of being heavily intoxicated with alcohol; drunk. It implies a level of inebriation where one's coordination, judgment, and inhibitions are significantly impaired.

The word suggests a more pronounced degree of drunkenness than simply being "tipsy" and often indicates a person is noticeably unsteady, slurring their speech, and possibly exhibiting boisterous or foolish behavior.

It is a colloquial term, and while less harsh than some synonyms, it carries a clear connotation of being excessively inebriated.

The origin of the word is uncertain, though it is thought to be of British origin, popularised in the early 20th century.

The term might relate to a sense of being soaked or drenched as when the word is used to describe something soaked in some liquid.

Its use is usually light-hearted, but can indicate a degree of concern about the effects of alcohol consumption.

Sozzled meaning with examples

• After the pub quiz, John was completely sozzled, trying to climb the lamppost while singing opera. His friends had to gently steer him towards a taxi, knowing he wouldn't be able to find his way home in that state.
• The party was a success until Uncle Barry got sozzled on wine and started telling exaggerated war stories, much to the embarrassment of the younger members of the family. The family eventually had to remove him from the premises to avoid the police.
• Sarah, typically reserved, became remarkably sozzled after downing several shots, dancing on the tables and making declarations of love to a surprised bystander. Everyone agreed that the party had peaked.
• The celebrations after the team's victory got rather rowdy, with several players becoming visibly sozzled and attempting to recreate their winning goal in the lobby, much to the building managers' dismay.
• Having consumed several strong cocktails at the wedding, the best man was sozzled during his speech, managing to stumble through a series of hilarious and slightly inappropriate anecdotes about the groom.