Understanding "Plastered": What It Means and How to Use This Common Slang

Ever heard someone say, "He was completely plastered last night!" and wondered what they meant? If you're looking to boost your informal English and sound more like a native speaker, understanding common slang like "plastered" is key. This term is a colorful way to describe someone who has had a bit too much to drink. In this guide, we'll dive into the meaning of plastered, explore its real-life usage of plastered, and help you add this popular phrase to your vocabulary building toolkit. Let's get started!

Table of Contents

• What Does "Plastered" Mean?
• Context and Usage of "Plastered"
• Example Sentences with "Plastered"
• Related Slang Words
• Conclusion

What Does "Plastered" Mean?

The slang term "plastered" is an informal way to describe someone who is very drunk or heavily intoxicated. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, "plastered" is indeed an informal term for being "very drunk." This state suggests a significant consumption of alcohol, often to the point where their behavior and physical coordination are noticeably affected. It implies a level of drunkenness beyond just being slightly tipsy. While the term can sometimes be used humorously, it generally describes a state that isn't ideal and can carry negative connotations depending on the context. Think of it as being completely covered or overwhelmed by the effects of alcohol, much like a wall is covered in plaster. Understanding the plastered definition is key to grasping this piece of modern slang.

More: Understanding 'Hammered': Guide to English Slang Meaning

Context and Usage of "Plastered"

Understanding when and how to use plastered is crucial for ESL learners aiming for natural-sounding English. This particular slang word is quite common in informal settings, but its appropriateness can vary.

• Who usually says it?
  • The term "plastered" is widely used by native English speakers of various ages, particularly young adults and adults, across both British and American English. It's generally not used by very young children or in highly formal professional environments where more standard vocabulary is expected.
• In what settings?
  • You'll most frequently hear "plastered" in casual conversations among friends, perhaps at parties, or when people are recounting stories about social events where alcohol was involved. It's also fairly common in pop culture, appearing in movies, TV shows, and books when describing characters who have had too much to drink. You might also encounter it in informal online chats or social media posts discussing nightlife or celebrations.
• Tone:
  • The tone associated with "plastered" can vary significantly. It's often used in a casual, sometimes humorous way, especially when a story is being told about a past event. For example, "You should have seen Mark at the wedding; he got absolutely plastered and started dancing on the tables!"
  • However, it can also carry a slightly negative or critical tone, implying that someone drank excessively or irresponsibly. For instance, "She was so plastered she couldn't even find her keys, which was quite worrying."
  • While it's generally not considered offensive slang, it remains very informal. You certainly wouldn't use it to describe your boss in a formal report or meeting! Using such slang correctly helps in vocabulary building for more nuanced informal English.

More: Understanding 'Wasted': Meaning & How to Use the Slang

Example Sentences with "Plastered"

Seeing "plastered" in action helps solidify its meaning and shows how to use plastered in real-life usage. Here are a few plastered examples:

• Person A: "Did you see Tom at Sarah's party?" Person B: "Yeah, he was completely plastered by 10 PM!"

• Person A: "I'm never drinking tequila again. Awful hangover." Person B: "No kidding! You were so plastered you sang to a traffic cone."

• Person A: "How was New Year's Eve?" Person B: "Wild! My cousin got plastered on champagne before midnight."

• Person A: "Why wasn't Jane at brunch?" Person B: "She got plastered at her office party; felt too rough."

• Person A: "I don't remember much from the festival." Person B: "That's because you were absolutely plastered, mate! We helped you find your tent."

These examples show how "plastered" describes high intoxication in everyday chat. Understanding these scenarios aids modern slang comprehension.

Related Slang Words

English has many colorful ways to talk about being drunk. If "plastered" isn't quite right, or you want to expand your vocabulary of English slang words related to intoxication, here are some alternatives:

Learning these related terms helps understand more informal conversations and sound like a native.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! "Plastered" is a widely understood slang term in informal English for someone very drunk. Adding it to your vocabulary helps understand casual conversations and participate more naturally. Remember context and audience before using it. Learning such common phrases helps you sound like a native speaker.

Now it's your turn! Can you make a sentence with "plastered"? Share your example in the comments below, or ask about other English slang words!

Want more? Check our other articles on English vocabulary and slang!