Groggy

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Groggy

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

adjective

Pronunciation

GROG-ee  /ˈɡrɒɡi/

Definition

Dazed, unsteady, and lacking coordination, especially as a result of illness, tiredness, alcohol, or a blow to the head.

Plain meaning

Groggy means feeling dazed and wobbly — the way you feel when you haven't had enough sleep, when you're ill, or when you've just woken up and your brain hasn't caught up yet.

Register

Informal and conversational. Groggy is an everyday word used across age groups to describe temporary physical dazedness. It carries a slightly sympathetic, slightly humorous quality — you wouldn't use it in a formal medical context but it fits perfectly in everyday description.