What does teetotally mean?
Teetotally is an informal adverb meaning “completely” or “entirely,” usually with a degree of emphasis that can border on exaggeration. It commonly appears in statements such as “I was teetotally convinced” or “They were teetotally unprepared.” Although the word descends from teetotal, the historical term for complete abstinence from alcohol, it normally does not itself mean “without alcohol.” Instead, teetotally developed as a playful, emphatic intensive equivalent of totally. Its tone suits conversation and informal writing, particularly when stressing surprise, certainty, or the thoroughness of a mistake. In formal contexts, completely, entirely, or fully will usually sound more neutral. Etymologically, teetotally links the idea of totality with the emphatic tradition of extended intensifiers. The result is a distinctive word that makes a sentence more emphatic and conversational, though deliberate exaggeration may also make it sound comic.
adverbCompletely or entirely, often with emphasis or a degree of exaggeration.
- In a complete or absolute degree; entirely.
"The instructions were teetotally confusing, so we had to start over."
"She was teetotally convinced that the proposal would succeed."
"We had teetotally forgotten about the meeting."
Teetotally descends from teetotal, but it rarely has anything to do with alcohol—the word simply means “completely,” with extra emphasis.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does teetotally come from?
The adverb comes from teetotal plus the suffix -ly. Teetotal is an early nineteenth-century English formation based on total and was initially used in the context of abstinence from alcohol. As an intensive adverb, teetotally came to mean “completely” or “entirely,” while preserving a faintly humorous association with its abstaining source. Related words include total, totally, and totality.
How teetotally is actually used
Informal and emphatic; completely, entirely, or fully will usually be more neutral in formal prose. Its association with teetotal can also give it a playful or mildly hyperbolic tone.
Easily confused with teetotally
Teetotally is an emphatic adverb meaning “completely,” whereas teetotal is an adjective or noun describing complete abstinence from alcohol.