What does plastered mean?
Plastered has two main uses. Literally, it means covered or coated with plaster, as when a wall is plastered or a ceiling is plastered smooth. Informally, especially in British, Irish, Australian, and New Zealand English, it means very drunk. In this figurative sense, “plastered” is emphatic and often humorous: someone might say that a guest was absolutely plastered after a celebration. The expression conveys a stronger degree of intoxication than words such as tipsy and is generally suitable for informal conversation rather than formal writing. The word can also describe something covered or smeared with another substance, such as mud or paint. Its dual usage makes it vivid in descriptions: the same adjective can report damage to a wall while also providing a colorful account of the end of an evening. Plastered is the past participle and adjective form of plaster.
adjectiveCovered or coated with plaster; also, informally, very drunk.
- Very drunk.
- Covered, coated, or sealed with plaster.
"By the end of the party, he was completely plastered."
"The old brick wall was plastered and painted before the repairs were finished."
"After a few drinks at the wedding, they were absolutely plastered."
One late night, you may become plastered; on a wall, you may simply be plaster-covered.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does plastered come from?
The adjective developed from the verb plaster, which comes through Old French from Latin plastrum, a term associated with plaster or a plaster-like material. The literal sense “covered with plaster” follows directly from that history. By the early 20th century, “plastered” was also used figuratively for being very drunk, extending the idea of being heavily covered or overcome.
Related word forms
How plastered is actually used
The informal sense meaning 'very drunk' is especially associated with British, Irish, Australian, and New Zealand English. The sense meaning 'covered with plaster' is typically literal, although it can also describe something heavily coated with another sticky substance.