Drunkenness

Drunkenness, in its most common usage, is the state of being intoxicated with alcohol to a sufficient degree to impair mental and motor functioning.

Some societies, such as those of Russia and Ireland, have cultural stereotypes associated with drunkenness--in such societies, the ability to drink vast quantities of alcohol without getting drunk is thought to be worthy of respect. Arguably, such an attitude, wherever it does in fact exist, can be regarded as pathological, leading as it often does to alcoholism.

Drunkness is generally felt to be a good thing by the drunk person, at least till it wears offs, and the associated hangover starts.

Slang terms for being drunk:

• loaded
• liquored up
• tanked
• smashed

See also:

• alcoholism
• blind drunk