Definition of hangover

The word "hangover" has its roots in Old English. In the 14th century, "hanging" referred to the act of surviving or being left alive after a period of illness, poverty, or other hardship. A "hangover" thus originally described the lingering effects or aftermath of such an experience. In the 17th century, the term began to be used to describe the day-after effects of heavy drinking, particularly the feelings of dizziness, nausea, and fatigue that followed a night of excessive alcohol consumption. The phrase "hangover from hell" was coined in the 20th century to describe the most severe and unpleasant hangover symptoms. Over time, the meaning of the word "hangover" has expanded to include not only physical symptoms but also mental and emotional ones, such as regret, anxiety, and irritability. Regardless of its evolution, the concept of a hangover remains a universal language, understood by people across cultures and ages as a dreaded consequence of excess.