food coma

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "food coma" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe the drowsy feeling after eating a large meal. After the Thanksgiving feast, I fell into a deep food coma on the couch. Alternative expressions include "post-meal drowsiness" and "culinary fatigue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Try bryndzové halušky – potato dumplings with goat's cheese – and settle in for the inevitable food coma.

The Guardian - Travel

Dr. Goldberg says the digestive workout may also explain the "food coma" many people experience after a big meal.

The New York Times

As we finished up, fighting off a food coma, Mr. di Mauro offered Mr. Cacciani, the chef, more wine.

The New York Times - Food

And although this may come as a surprise, lying on the sofa in a food coma really isn't the goal.

The New York Times - Food

Now that I have woken up from a three-week sleep and food coma, this task awaits me.

The Economist

Maybe I like flying because I'm essentially in a food coma and tipsy by the time I get on the plane.

The New York Times

I was pleased to see that "food coma" (full and sleepy), "preggers" (pregnant), and "tramp stamp" (tattoo on the lower back) are all still popular.

The New Yorker

Gloating in his corporate power over the torpid masses, Stimptner sneers, "Your community is 10 trillion McNuggets into a food coma from which it will never awaken".

The New York Times

I'd probably chill there for a while until the food coma subsides, and then head to Bar 23 in Dalston or The Waiting Room in Stoke Newington to dance the night (and hopefully some of the calories) away.

The Guardian - Travel

According to Nasa, there won't be another full moon on Christmas Day until 2034 - so even if you're in a food coma after Christmas Dinner, it's worth looking out the window to try and catch a glimpse of it.

Independent

What they value perhaps more than anything else is what is embodied in that classic carrot-and-avocado salad: a sense of richness that never leaves the diner in a crippling food coma.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "food coma" sparingly in formal writing; opt for more precise language like "postprandial somnolence" when appropriate. When including markdown formatting in content fields, always wrap the main query in quotation marks ("food coma") and render in bold.

Common error

Avoid attributing a "food coma" solely to one food type (e.g., turkey contains tryptophan). The overall quantity and composition of the meal are more significant factors.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "food coma" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object to describe a state of post-meal lethargy. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "food coma" is a common noun phrase used to describe the feeling of lethargy and sleepiness that often follows a large meal. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread usage, especially in News & Media. While grammatically correct, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives like "postprandial somnolence" in academic or professional writing. It's important to avoid attributing the feeling solely to one food type, as the overall meal composition is a more significant factor. Remember to use "food coma" judiciously and consider the context of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling sluggish after eating

A more descriptive way to express the sensation of reduced physical activity after eating.

stuffed and sleepy

A simple and direct way to describe the feeling of being both full and tired.

post-meal lethargy

This phrase emphasizes the feeling of sluggishness and lack of energy after a meal.

after-dinner drowsiness

This specifically refers to the sleepiness experienced after dinner.

postprandial somnolence

This is a more formal and scientific term for sleepiness after eating.

post-Thanksgiving nap

Relates the QUERY to a specific context where it is very common.

digestive slowdown

Focuses on the digestive process as the cause of the effect.

carb overload

This highlights the effect of consuming too many carbohydrates.

heavy-lidded

This emphasizes the physical sensation of feeling sleepy.

in a stupor

This indicates a state of near-unconsciousness or reduced alertness.

FAQs

How do I use "food coma" in a sentence?

You can use "food coma" to describe the feeling of sleepiness or lethargy after eating a large meal. For example: "After the Thanksgiving feast, I was in a complete food coma."

What's a less informal alternative to "food coma"?

For a more formal context, consider using phrases such as "postprandial somnolence" or "post-meal lethargy".

What causes a "food coma"?

A "food coma" is typically caused by eating a large meal, especially one high in carbohydrates and fats, which can lead to a shift in blood flow and hormone levels that promote sleepiness.

Is a "food coma" the same as being actually ill?

No, a "food coma" is a temporary state of drowsiness and reduced energy after eating. Actual illness involves specific symptoms and underlying health conditions.