pissed

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "pissed" can be used in written English in some circumstances.
It can be used to mean either "angry" or "intoxicated". For example: "I was so pissed off when my flight was cancelled." or "I was too pissed to drive home from the bar."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Piss in the sinks, piss in the sinks, everyone would move faster if we all pissed in the sinks".My neighbour from the Eastern Cape nurses his single bottle of Coke through the second half.

The Economist

"It is a big challenge for us, but that is why you play ball," said Heaslip, who after returning from Australia admitted he had been "pissed off" with the Lions [and Wales] head coach, Warren Gatland.

The Guardian - Sport

"But when I buy my alcohol-free beer, half the time the checkout person will say: 'You know that's alcohol free?' It's not unnatural not to want to get pissed.

The Guardian

It’s funny with acting, because I’ve worked with people who spend the whole time pissed and don’t give a shit, and with others who pace their trailer worrying every night, and you wouldn’t necessarily be able to guess which was which.

The Guardian - Film

The people of east London are mightily pissed off with these practices and want to see that back of it," he said.

The Guardian

He said Miliband understood that people were "pissed off" and welcomed pressure from below demanding changes to society.

The Guardian

But as long as people are pissed off there will always be an audience for that song.

The Guardian - Music

Some were literally being told: 'Your pension is being torn up.' They were pissed off and looking for work.

The Guardian

I was in America a lot and I was getting extremely, honestly, pissed off that habeas corpus was suspended as far as the Americans were concerned.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

; 6. Seasonal Beatings (Series 7, episode 5): The show held back seven years before giving us a Christmas special but when it did, it was a cracker: a "festive Festen", to quote Mark, in which he found himself contending with a contemptuous father, half-cut mother, and seriously-pissed off "friend -cum-unacknowledged girlfriend -cum-unacknowledged

Independent

When you get very big you are bound to do things that will piss people off .Any trot this brisk through a century of pissed-off people will risk neglecting many corporate reputations worthy of separate discussion Manville, McDonald's and Martha Stewart, for example, to pause only at the Ms. But still, a few general truths emerge.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pissed" to mean angry, consider the audience and context, as it can be considered vulgar in formal settings. Choose a milder alternative like "annoyed" or "irritated" for professional communication.

Common error

Avoid mixing the informal term "pissed" with formal language in academic or professional writing. Ensure the tone and vocabulary are consistent throughout your text to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The term "pissed" primarily functions as an adjective. It describes a state or condition, and according to Ludwig AI, it can mean either angry or intoxicated. The meaning depends on the context in which it's used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sport

25%

Music

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "pissed" is an adjective that commonly signifies either anger or intoxication, depending on the context. According to Ludwig AI, it's acceptable to use in written English and frequently appears in informal settings. Its usage is very common, especially within news, sports, and music media. While versatile, it's crucial to consider the audience and formality level when using this term; milder alternatives are recommended for professional or academic settings. While "pissed" enjoys widespread usage, options like "annoyed" or "irritated" are suitable substitutes for expressing anger in formal communications, and ""drunk"" or "intoxicated" can replace it when describing inebriation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

angry

This is a direct synonym, indicating a state of displeasure or annoyance.

annoyed

Similar to angry, but often implies a milder form of irritation.

irate

Indicates a state of great anger.

furious

Signifies intense anger, rage, or fury.

intoxicated

Describes a state of being under the influence of alcohol.

drunk

A common synonym for intoxicated, implying impaired faculties due to alcohol.

enraged

This suggests a very high degree of anger, close to fury.

exasperated

Expresses frustration and irritation, often due to repeated annoyances.

infuriated

Implies an action that provokes extreme anger.

livid

Signifies extreme anger, often to the point of paleness.

FAQs

How can I use "pissed" in a sentence?

You can use "pissed" to describe being angry, as in, "I was "pissed off" when they cancelled the event". Alternatively, it can describe being drunk, such as, "He was too "drunk" to drive; he was "pissed"".

What's a less offensive alternative to "pissed" when expressing anger?

If you're looking for a less vulgar word, consider "annoyed", "irritated", or "frustrated". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "pissed" in formal writing?

No, "pissed" is generally considered informal and can be seen as vulgar. It is best to avoid using it in formal writing. Instead, use more appropriate alternatives like "displeased" or "dissatisfied".

Which is correct, "pissed" or "pissed off"?

Both "pissed" and "pissed off" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Pissed" can mean either angry or drunk, while ""pissed off"" specifically means angry or annoyed.