Etymology

First used by the British satirical magazine Private Eye in 1967, in a spoof diplomatic memo to describe the state of cabinet minister George Brown. It is now used as a stock phrase and euphemism to avoid litigation for libel. British slander and libel law makes it unwise ever to directly refer to someone as being drunk unless it has been scientifically proven (e.g. through a breathalyser test). The use of the phrase has extended well beyond the magazine.

Adjective

1. Drunk.

Quotations

• 1985. Mary Coughlan Tired and Emotional. (name of album)
• 2006. Private Eye

  Harry was "fired up. He'd been drinking and was tired and emotional."