What does sotting mean?
Sotting denotes drinking alcohol to excess, especially as a repeated or habitual activity. The word is chiefly literary and generally carries a disapproving tone, presenting excessive drinking as a destructive habit rather than as harmless social behavior. It can be used as a noun for the activity itself, as in descriptions of prolonged drunkenness, or as the gerund of the verb “sot.” A typical literary sentence portrays the practice as a sign of moral weakness, social disorder, or personal ruin. Although “sotting” clearly conveys habitual excess, it focuses on drinking behavior and does not by itself describe every state or consequence of intoxication. In modern English, “heavy drinking” and “boozing” are more common in ordinary speech, while “sotting” gives a more literary and morally censorious emphasis.
The habit or practice of drinking alcohol to excess, especially repeatedly or compulsively.
"The story ends with a portrait of despair, isolation, and constant sotting."
Chiefly literary and disapproving; often used with “constant,” “endless,” or “heavy.”
To drink alcohol to excess, especially habitually.
"He spent the evening sotting and telling stories to anyone who would listen."
Used as a gerund or present participle and generally literary in style.
Usually uncountable; a regular plural is not normally used.
"Their evening was marked by singing and heavy sotting."
A person who spends night after night in heavy drinking may be described as devoted to sotting.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sotting come from?
The word derives from “sot,” an old term for a foolish or habitually drunken person. “Sot” entered Middle English from Old French sot, meaning foolish or stupid, and the English word is related to cognates in other Germanic languages, including Dutch zot. The modern form “sotting” developed from the verbal use of “sot,” while related forms such as “sottish” preserve the word’s association with foolishness and excessive drinking.
Related word forms
How sotting is actually used
The noun is chiefly literary and carries a strongly negative, often disapproving tone. The verb form is also formal or literary and is more common in descriptions of habitual behavior than in everyday conversation.