Word
pickled
Phoneticspick·led, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpɪkəɫd/
UK/pˈɪkəld/
Definition
adj. preserved in vinegar or salt water to keep it fresh and give it a sour taste. In casual British English, it can also mean being very drunk.
adj. preserved in brine or vinegar; in British slang, describes a state of extreme alcohol intoxication. Often used predicatively when referring to intoxication.
Examples
“I love eating pickled onions with my cheese sandwich.”
“The chef served a side of pickled ginger to cleanse the palate between the different courses of sushi.”
“After the wedding reception ended, several of the older guests looked quite pickled and had to be helped into their taxis by the hotel staff.”
Examples
simple
“I love eating pickled onions with my cheese sandwich.”
contextual
“The chef served a side of pickled ginger to cleanse the palate between the different courses of sushi.”
complex
“After the wedding reception ended, several of the older guests looked quite pickled and had to be helped into their taxis by the hotel staff.”
Usage
When used to mean drunk, it is informal and primarily British; as a food term, it is a standard participial adjective.
Real-World Examples
“It comes from the region of Castilla-La Mancha and is usually cooked quickly and then pickled or marinated with vinegar and spices.” “From his neatly organised fridge he pulls out the jars of pickled cabbage and shrimp salad he has prepared to take to a friend’s house for lunch later.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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