Are you writing a chapter where a character wakes up after a heavy night of drinking? If some tips on how to describe a hangover in a story would be useful, read on to learn how you can use the following 10 words in your novel.
1. Deathly
Definition
Something that resembles death or a severe illness.
Examples
“I’m deathly hungover. I don’t think I’m going to survive today.”
“Don’t disturb him! He got home at 6 am, and now he’s deathly hungover.”
How it Adds Description
The word “deathly” shows the extreme extent of the hangover, as it compares the post-drinking effects to a death-like state. This shows your reader the extent of the hangover, and it can also be used to show other characters’ shock. If a character uses “deathly” to describe their condition, it could also show that they’re more dramatic than others when it comes to describing how they feel.
2. Powerful
Definition
Something that’s extremely strong and hard to ignore.
Examples
“That looks like a powerful hangover. I’m glad I didn’t drink last night.”
“I’ve never had such a powerful hangover. I’m never doing shots of tequila ever again!”
How it Adds Description
“Powerful” is an appropriate adjective to describe any strong hangover. This word showcases the character’s struggle to function after drinking, which can further add to their character development as your story progresses. You can also use “powerful” to evoke pity from the reader, as being hungover is unpleasant.
3. Revolting
Definition
Something that’s disgusting or horrible.
Examples
“Being hungover is revolting. I would never do that to myself!”
“He woke up and immediately ran for the bathroom. He had a revolting hangover, and no amount of coffee could cure it.”
How it Adds Description
If you wish to paint a negative picture of your character’s hangover, the word “revolting” is an apt adjective to use. This word shows how disgusting the hangover is, and it’ll also show your character’s strong dislike for being hungover.
4. Offensive
Definition
Something that is upsetting or embarrassing.
Examples
“Have you ever had an offensive hangover? I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.”
“No wonder you’re experiencing an offensive hangover. You finished a bottle of vodka on your own.”
How it Adds Description
If you want to add an element of humor to your hangover description, the word “offensive” can help. This word is usually linked to things that are rude or insulting, and when applied to a hangover, it shows that the character is feeling so unwell that they’re upset about it. “Offensive” can also be used to show a non-hungover character’s negative feelings about the illness, which is appropriate for any characters who don’t drink alcohol or find sickness upsetting.
5. Sickening
Definition
Something that provokes feelings of sickness, disgust, and horror.
Examples
“She looked at the band members. They were all suffering from sickening hangovers.”
“No matter how ill he felt, he was always glad he didn’t have an additional sickening hangover.”
How it Adds Description
“Sickening” can be used to show a character’s hatred for hangovers. This adjective is linked to disgust, horror, and sickness. Therefore, if a character uses this term to describe a hangover, they’re physically and emotionally repulsed by the condition. This shows your audience that they’re very against drinking to excess.
6. Exhausting
Definition
Something that causes feelings of tiredness or fatigue.
Examples
“Her hangover was exhausting. She couldn’t even get to her feet without retching.”
“His exhausting hangover was impairing his vision. He needed to go home and sleep ASAP.”
How it Adds Description
“Exhausting” is a great adjective to use if you want to describe the physical effects of your character’s hangover. This can show their inability to deal with the illness, and it can help to further the plot after a big night of drinking. Additionally, this shows your audience the extent of their physical suffering.
7. Inconvenient
Definition
Something that causes difficulties or problems.
Examples
“I have no time for an inconvenient hangover. Give me some orange juice, and let’s get out of here.”
“He woke up with an inconvenient hangover, but he was able to shake off the headache and get on with his morning.”
How it Adds Description
If your character’s hangover isn’t awful, the word “inconvenient” can show its smaller extent. This adjective can also show how your character isn’t bothered by physical ailments, and this can even foreshadow future plot points.
8. Slight
Definition
Something small or insignificant.
Examples
“A slight hangover was nothing for him. He was happy to get up and continue working, despite the fact he drank ten beers the night before.”
“She could feel a slight hangover appearing. This was just the start, and she knew she’d feel awful in a few hours.”
How it Adds Description
“Slight” can be used to show a hangover is small, or it can be used to show a large hangover is just beginning. If your character is robust, “slight” is a great word to show their indifference to feeling ill. However, “slight” can be used to foreshadow a big hangover for characters who are weaker or smaller.
9. Negligible
Definition
Something so small that it’s not worth worrying about or considering.
Examples
“His hangover was negligible. No one at work even realized he’d been drinking the night before.”
“She hoped for a negligible hangover. But her gut told her she’d be waking up with a pounding head and a nauseous stomach.”
How it Adds Description
“Negligible” is an adjective used to describe things that are minor and insignificant. This can help you showcase a character’s disregard for hangovers, which therefore paints a clearer image of their overall priorities. However, you can also use the word to show how alcohol doesn’t affect your character, a trait you can build on as the story continues.
10. Mighty
Definition
Something very powerful or large.
Examples
“I can see the suffering on your face. That is one mighty hangover you’ve got there.”
“She was humbled by the mighty hangover. This was enough sickness to make her consider sobriety.”
How it Adds Description
If you want your hangover to have a large effect on your character, the word “mighty” can show the power it has over them. This adjective can help to show the hangover is a defining point for the character, and it can signal their desire to change their drinking habits after.