food coma: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium (Informal)Informal, Colloquial
Quick answer
What does “food coma” mean?
A state of extreme drowsiness or lethargy experienced after eating a large meal.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A state of extreme drowsiness or lethargy experienced after eating a large meal.
A slang term for the physiological state of postprandial somnolence, where one feels an overwhelming urge to sleep, often accompanied by physical sluggishness, following a substantial intake of food.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is equally understood in both varieties, but 'Itis' (from 'postprandial somnolence') is a more common AAVE-influenced synonym in the US. The core phrase 'food coma' sees widespread use in both.
Connotations
Humorous, slightly self-deprecating. It is not used in formal or medical contexts.
Frequency
Slightly more common in American media and casual conversation, but firmly established in British English.
Grammar
How to Use “food coma” in a Sentence
[Subject] + is/are in + a food coma[Subject] + fell/fell into + a food coma[Meal/Event] + gave + [Indirect Object] + a food comaVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “food coma” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- I'm completely food-coma'd after that roast.
- He food-comaed on the sofa for two hours.
American English
- We totally food-coma'd after the barbecue.
- Don't food-coma before the game!
adverb
British English
- He slumped food-coma-ly into the armchair.
American English
- She sat there, staring food-coma-ly at the TV.
adjective
British English
- He had that classic food-coma look about him.
- We were in a food-coma state.
American English
- I'm feeling super food-coma right now.
- That was a food-coma-inducing meal.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used. Highly inappropriate.
Academic
Not used. The technical term 'postprandial somnolence' is required.
Everyday
Very common in casual conversation, especially after holidays or large meals.
Technical
Not used in formal medical contexts, but may appear in popular science articles.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “food coma”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “food coma”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “food coma”
- Using it as a formal medical diagnosis. *'The patient is in a food coma.'*
- Using 'food comma' (spelling error).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a colloquial, humorous term for the very real physiological state known as 'postprandial somnolence'. It is not a clinical diagnosis.
It's primarily caused by the body redirecting blood flow to the digestive system after a large meal, along with hormonal changes related to digestion (like increased insulin and cholecystokinin). The type of food (high in carbs and fat) can intensify the effect.
Yes, by eating smaller portions, choosing meals with a balance of protein and complex carbohydrates, avoiding excessive alcohol, and staying lightly active after eating.
They are related informal terms. A 'food baby' refers to the visibly distended stomach after overeating, while a 'food coma' refers to the drowsy, lethargic feeling. One can experience both simultaneously.
A state of extreme drowsiness or lethargy experienced after eating a large meal.
Food coma is usually informal, colloquial in register.
Food coma: in British English it is pronounced /ˈfuːd ˌkəʊ.mə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈfuːd ˌkoʊ.mə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “In a turkey coma (specific to Thanksgiving)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a plate of food with a tiny person lying on it, snoring, with a medical 'coma' monitor beeping next to them.
Conceptual Metaphor
FOOD IS A NARCOTIC / ANAESTHETIC (It 'knocks you out', inducing a temporary, voluntary state of unconsciousness).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most appropriate context to use the term 'food coma'?