What does guzzling mean?
Guzzling means drinking greedily or rapidly, usually in large gulps rather than measured sips. The word has a vivid, slightly comic quality: it can describe someone emptying a glass at a party, but it also carries a note of excess, making it suitable for humorous or mildly critical descriptions. By extension, guzzling can refer to consuming food, energy drinks, books, or other things quickly and voraciously. This figurative sense is especially common when describing someone absorbed in a novel, rapidly working through a series, or eagerly taking in information. Guzzling contrasts with the more careful, leisurely behavior implied by words such as sip and savor. Although generally understood throughout English-speaking communities, it is more characteristic of informal speech and writing than formal contexts. Its forceful sound and clear implication of speed make it effective for portraying a conspicuously enthusiastic or unrestrained consumer.
To drink greedily or rapidly in large gulps; by extension, to consume something quickly and voraciously.
"The runners were guzzling sports drinks after the marathon."
Usually informal and often humorous or disapproving.
Characterized by greedy or rapid drinking; used attributively to describe a person, sound, or action.
"We heard the unmistakable guzzling sound coming from the next room."
This participial adjective is especially common in informal descriptive writing.
The word “guzzling” carries its own warning label: it suggests drinking at speed, not savoring.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does guzzling come from?
Guzzling is the present participle of guzzle, a verb recorded in English by the early 17th century. Its ultimate origin is uncertain, although it may have been influenced by Old French gousler, an old word meaning “to guzzle” or “swallow.” Because the proposed connection is not secure, no group of English cognates can be identified confidently.
Related word forms
How guzzling is actually used
The word is informal and often humorous or mildly disapproving. It emphasizes speed and greed rather than the ordinary act of drinking, and its figurative use is especially common for reading, eating, or consuming media rapidly.
Easily confused with guzzling
A muzzle is the projecting part of an animal's head or a strap placed around it, whereas guzzling means drinking greedily or rapidly.