What does wallowing mean?
Wallowing most commonly means indulging excessively in an emotional condition, especially self-pity, guilt, regret, or sorrow. The expression “wallow in self-pity” is especially common and generally has a disapproving tone, suggesting that someone is dwelling on their own distress rather than responding constructively. Wallowing can also be used more neutrally for physical activity: an animal may wallow in mud or a person may lie contentedly in shallow water. A related figurative use describes lavish indulgence, as in wallowing in luxury or pleasure. Although the word can sound vivid because it evokes rolling and immersion, it often carries a warning implication: prolonged attention to a painful or pleasurable state can become excessive. The word is understood throughout the English-speaking world, with no major regional restriction.
To lie or roll about in mud, shallow water, or a similar substance; figuratively, to indulge excessively in an emotion, condition, or activity.
"Rather than address his problems, he continued wallowing in self-pity."
The figurative use commonly implies excess and is often disapproving, especially with emotions such as guilt, regret, or self-pity.
The activity of rolling or lying about in mud or water, or of indulging excessively in an emotional or material condition.
"The evening was marked by prolonged wallowing in food and nostalgia."
This is primarily a verbal noun and is normally uncountable; the plural “wallowings” is uncommon.
The noun is normally uncountable, and plural usage is uncommon.
"Brief wallowings in nostalgia were followed by long periods of work."
From Old English wallowan, wallowing began with mud before it began describing emotional excess.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does wallowing come from?
Wallowing descends from Old English wallowan, meaning “to roll about in mud,” and continued in Middle English with both literal and figurative uses. The verb was later extended to describe prolonged indulgence in states such as pleasure, sorrow, or self-pity. Its precise ultimate origin is debated, though related Germanic forms include Old Norse vella, “to roll,” and Dutch walgen, “to roll about.”
Related word forms
How wallowing is actually used
The figurative sense is often critical, particularly when someone is described as wallowing in self-pity or guilt. The expression can be playful or admiring in contexts such as wallowing in luxury, although prolonged or excessive indulgence is normally implied.