Definition of buzzed

The word "buzzed" has its roots in the early 17th century. The verb "to buzz" originally meant "to make a low, rumbling noise, like that of a bee" and was often used to describe the sound of insects, machinery, or vehicles moving quickly. Over time, the phrase "to be buzzed" emerged, meaning to be excited or agitated, much like the buzzing of a bee in one's ear. This phrase was often used to describe someone who was exhausted, overstimulated, or intoxicated. In the mid-20th century, the phrase "to be buzzed" took on a new meaning, specifically related to drinking. To be "buzzed" meant to be lightly intoxicated, often to the point of slight dizziness or disorientation. This usage is believed to have originated in the 1950s and 1960s, particularly among young people and in counterculture circles. The phrase quickly gained popularity and has since become a common way to describe a light or moderate level of intoxication.