# pickled

/ˈpɪkəɫd/ (US) · /pˈɪkəld/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pickled
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- When used to mean drunk, it is informal and primarily British; as a food term, it is a standard participial adjective.

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