Conclusion
“(As) drunk as a skunk” is a common phrase used to describe someone who is heavily intoxicated. The phrase has been used in various contexts, from casual conversations to literature and movies. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, and meaning of “(as) drunk as a skunk,” as well as its associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
The phrase “(as) drunk as a skunk” is a simile that compares a person’s level of intoxication to that of a skunk. Skunks are known for their ability to emit a strong, pungent odor, which is why the phrase is often used to describe someone who is heavily intoxicated and smells bad due to excessive alcohol consumption.
Origin
The origin of the phrase “(as) drunk as a skunk” is unclear, but it is believed to have been in use since the early 1900s. The phrase may have originated from the fact that skunks are known to become disoriented and uncoordinated when they are intoxicated by eating fermented fruits or other substances.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, “(as) drunk as a skunk” means “very drunk.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines the phrase as “extremely intoxicated,” while the Cambridge Dictionary describes it as “completely drunk.”
Associations
The phrase “(as) drunk as a skunk” is often associated with negative connotations, as it implies that the person being described has lost control of their actions and may be behaving inappropriately or recklessly. It is also associated with the smell of alcohol and the odor of a skunk, which can be unpleasant and offensive.
Synonyms
There are many synonyms for “(as) drunk as a skunk,” including “plastered,” “hammered,” “wasted,” “sloshed,” “blotto,” and “stinking drunk.” All of these phrases convey the same meaning of being heavily intoxicated.
Antonyms
The antonyms of “(as) drunk as a skunk” include “sober,” “clear-headed,” “moderate,” and “temperate.” These words describe someone who is not under the influence of alcohol and is able to think and act rationally.
The same root words
The phrase “(as) drunk as a skunk” contains the root word “drunk,” which is derived from the Old English word “druncen,” meaning “intoxicated.” Other words that share the same root include “drunkenness,” “drunkard,” and “drunk driving.”
Example Sentences
Here are some examples of how to use “(as) drunk as a skunk” in a sentence:
- “After drinking a whole bottle of whiskey, he was (as) drunk as a skunk and could barely stand.”
- “She stumbled into the party (as) drunk as a skunk and started dancing on the table.”
- “The police arrested him for driving (as) drunk as a skunk and endangering other drivers on the road.”
“(As) drunk as a skunk” is a popular phrase used to describe someone who is heavily intoxicated. Its origin is unclear, but it has been in use since the early 1900s. The phrase is associated with negative connotations and often implies that the person being described has lost control of their actions. There are many synonyms and antonyms for “(as) drunk as a skunk,” and it shares the same root words as other terms related to alcohol and intoxication.