Crapulous

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈkɹæpjʊləs/

Definitions

  1. Characterized by excessive indulgence in eating and drinking | Related to or resulting from a state of ill health due to overindulgence | Descriptive of a condition resulting from excessive consumption of food and drink, leading to discomfort
  2. Marked by a feeling of discomfort stemming from overindulgence in food or drink | Pertaining to a state of illness or unease caused by excessive eating and drinking | Descriptive of the negative effects resulting from indulging excessively in food and beverages
  3. Defined by a condition of sickness or discomfort due to gluttonous behavior in food and drink

Etymology: The term "crapulous" possesses a somewhat colorful history, originating from the Latin "crapulentus," which means "drunk" or "suffering from excessive indulgence in food or drink." This Latin root itself is derived from "crapula," a term that referred to the aftereffects of overindulgence, particularly in the context of drinking. The word made its way into English in the early 17th century, around the 1620s, during a time when the English language was rapidly expanding its vocabulary, particularly in the realms of literature and the arts. The first recorded usage of "crapulous" in English can be found in the writings of the poet and playwright Ben Jonson. He employed it in his works to describe the consequences of excessive drinking and indulgent feasting. This connection to the revelries of Elizabethan and Jacobean society adds a layer of vivid imagery to the term, evoking scenes of boisterous feasts where merriment could easily turn to overindulgence and its unpleasant repercussions. Over the centuries, the meaning of this adjective has maintained its association with excess, particularly in relation to drinking, but it has also broadened to encompass a general sense of being ill or unwell due to overindulgence in any pleasurable activity. Despite the negative connotations, there's a certain charm to the word, capturing the duality of indulgence: the initial pleasure and the subsequent regret. Its somewhat archaic feel today may render it less common in contemporary usage, yet "crapulous" continues to be a vivid descriptor that brings to mind the excesses of human behavior. In a way, it serves as a reminder of the fine line between enjoyment and excess, a theme that resonates throughout the ages.

Synonyms: sick, ill, nauseated

Antonyms: healthy, well