The word tired may mean something physical: fatigue, over-exhaustion, and other related terms. However, it is also equally valid to be tired due to mental distress and psychological issues. There are many slang terms for “tired.” Here are some British slang words and expressions for tiredness.
British Slang For Tired (in Alphabetical Order)
Clapped Out
Meaning:
- (Adjective) A person or object is worn out from age and heavy use. The British people use this term to substitute the term “worn-out” and may come from theater lingo.
- Example: I’m all clapped out. We don’t get paid enough for this.
Creamed
Meaning:
- (Adjective) In the UK and several parts of the globe, getting creamed or being creamed may mean being defeated or getting extremely exhausted because of work.
- Example: I’m creamed. We never should have taken that double shift.
Knackered
Meaning:
- (Adjective) Derived from the British term “knacker” which means to kill, “knackered” implies that you are almost dead because of exhaustion or tired beyond belief.
- Example: The new work schedule has me knackered. We don’t even get overtime pay.
Pissed
Meaning:
- (Adjective) While it may be used in the US as angry, “pissed” was originally used by the British. It means that a person is too drunk or too tired for anything else other than sleeping or lying down.
- Example: Forget about me, mate! I’m too pissed to go out with the club.
Scunnered
Meaning:
- (Adjective) This Scottish slang may refer to several meanings. It usually means some feeling of disgust or dislike but some may use it for the feeling of boredom and tiredness.
- Example: Joey is so scunnered today. He had to go through with the initiation for newbie workers.
Tuckered Out
Meaning:
- (Adjective) Originating from the 1820s, this English slang has become popular throughout the world, including the US. Today, this slang is still in use by the British and means to be very tired to the point of needing to sleep immediately.
- Example: The baby is all tuckered out. She must have been tired from all the playing and crying.
Whacked
Meaning:
- (Adjective) While primarily British, this slang has found its way into the Australian dialect. Whacked may mean being defeated but some will use it to imply the feeling of boredom or exhaustion.
- Example: She got whacked from all of yesterday’s hard work. I’m surprised she showed up for her shift.
