The word "sobering up" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription of /ˈsəʊ.bər.ɪŋ ʌp/. The "s" is pronounced as the voiceless alveolar fricative /s/ while the "o" is pronounced as the mid back rounded vowel /əʊ/. The letter "b" is pronounced as the voiced bilabial stop /b/, followed by the letter "e" pronounced as the schwa /ə/. The final consonant cluster "-ng" is pronounced as the velar nasal /ŋ/. The word means to become less drunk or intoxicated.
Sobering up refers to the process of becoming less drunk or intoxicated, typically by allowing the effects of alcohol or drugs to wear off and regain a clearer state of mind and physical control. It involves a gradual diminishing of the impairments caused by substances, such as alcohol, opioids, or stimulants. The term is often used in the context of alcohol use, but can also apply to other mind-altering substances.
When someone is in the process of sobering up, they may experience a range of physical and mental changes. These can include a decrease in blood alcohol concentration, reduced intoxication symptoms, a return to normal cognitive functioning, and a stabilization of emotions. The length of time it takes for someone to sober up can vary based on factors such as the amount and type of substance consumed, as well as individual metabolic rates.
Sobering up is often accompanied by a heightened sense of reality and a gradual return to one's normal physical and mental state. During this process, individuals may become more aware of their actions, thinking processes, and surroundings. This increased clarity can often lead to feelings of regret or embarrassment for the behaviors or decisions made while under the influence. The term "sobering up" can also be used metaphorically to describe a situation in which someone becomes more serious, practical, or realistic after being exposed to a shocking or eye-opening experience.
The term "sobering up" is derived from the verb "to sober up", which means to become less intoxicated or to regain sobriety.
The word "sober" itself can be traced back to the Old English word "sobre", which originally meant "temperate" or "moderate". Over time, "sobre" began to be associated with self-restraint, seriousness, and abstinence from alcohol. The term "sober" eventually evolved to refer to a state of not being under the influence of alcohol or other substances.
The addition of the "-ing" and "up" to "sober" in "sobering up" creates a phrasal verb that signifies the process of becoming less intoxicated. This phrase is commonly used to describe the process of gradually regaining one's mental clarity and physical control after consuming alcohol or substances that impair judgment.