The slang term "tanked up" means to be heavily intoxicated with alcohol. The word "tanked" is spelled with the "a" pronounced as /æ/ and the "k" at the end is silent. The "up" is pronounced with a schwa sound /ə/ and the "p" is pronounced. The phonetic transcription of "tanked up" is /tæŋkt ʌp/. This word is commonly used in informal conversations and is considered to be a colloquialism. It is important to note that excessive drinking can be harmful to one's health and should be avoided.
Tanked up is an idiomatic phrase used to describe someone who is heavily intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol. This term is commonly used in informal or colloquial speech to convey the state of being extremely drunk. It implies that the individual has consumed a significant amount of alcohol, leading to a loss of control, impaired judgment, and potentially disruptive behavior.
The phrase "tanked up" originates from the image of a tank filled with liquid, like a fuel tank or water tank, which becomes full to the point of reaching its capacity or overflowing. In this context, it represents a person who has consumed such a large quantity of alcohol that their system is full or overwhelmed. Additionally, the word "tanked" implies a sense of excessiveness, emphasizing the excessive consumption of alcohol.
When someone is described as "tanked up," it typically suggests an extreme level of intoxication that may lead to slurred speech, unsteadiness, or other noticeable signs of drunkenness. It conveys the idea that the individual has surpassed moderate or controlled alcohol consumption and is experiencing the effects of heavy drinking. However, it is important to note that this term is informal and may carry negative connotations, depicting excessive alcohol consumption in a less serious or more lighthearted manner.
The term "tanked up" is a colloquial expression that originated in the early 20th century. It is primarily used in British English and slang to mean "drunk" or "intoxicated".
The etymology of "tanked up" can be traced back to the verb "tank", which originally referred to filling or loading a tank with liquid. The concept of being "tanked up" established a metaphorical link between filling or loading a tank and consuming large quantities of alcoholic beverages until one becomes drunk. The phrase suggests that someone has metaphorically filled themselves up like a tank with alcohol, resulting in intoxication.
The exact origins and earliest usage of "tanked up" are difficult to pinpoint, as slang phrases often evolve organically within specific communities or groups. However, it became more widely used in the mid-20th century and remains a popular expression today.