Word of the Day: Crapulous

"Crapulous" describes the unpleasant state of having eaten or drunk far too much, especially alcohol, and feeling sick or miserable afterward. In simple terms, it’s that groggy, nauseous, regret-filled feeling that comes from overindulgence.

This is a less common word in everyday conversation and is more often seen in writing, journalism, or literary contexts than in casual speech. It is usually used to describe a condition or behavior linked to excess, particularly heavy drinking or gluttony.

The tone of "crapulous" is negative. It carries a sense of criticism or disapproval and often implies poor judgment or lack of self-control. The word comes from the Latin "crapula," meaning “drunkenness” or “hangover,” which later passed into English through French. Its roots clearly reflect its association with excess and aftereffects.


Also Read: Word of the Day: Brumal

Example sentences:

• He woke up feeling crapulous after a night of unchecked drinking.

• The novel portrays a crapulous aristocrat whose lifestyle leads to his downfall.

• After the wedding reception, several guests were left crapulous and barely able to stand.

• His crapulous lifestyle of constant feasting and drinking eventually ruined his health.

• The report criticized the leader’s crapulous behavior during an official overseas visit.

• She felt ashamed recalling her crapulous state at the office party the next morning.

In real-life use, "crapulous" tends to appear in formal writing, opinion pieces, or literary descriptions, where a stronger, more vivid word is needed than simply “drunk” or “hungover.” Writers use it to add color and moral weight to descriptions of excess.

In short, "crapulous" is a vivid, negative word for the sickly aftermath of overindulgence, especially alcohol, used more in writing than speech to sharply capture the cost of excess.