“Pissed” vs “Pissed off”

Question

In Australian English there has always been a distinction between "pissed" (intoxicated) and "pissed off" (angry, irritated).

I've noticed a trend towards the American usage where "he was really pissed" is now much more likely to mean the latter.

I'm aware of the futility of resisting the natural evolution of language, particulary the juggernaut of American language imperialism via films and TV, but it seems a shame that "I did it because I was pissed" is now ambiguous.

Is this a trend in other English speaking countries where the Australian usage was common?

Answer 1

In Australian English there has always been a distinction between "pissed" (intoxicated) and "pissed off" (angry, irritated).

This is exactly the same as the British usage.

I've noticed a trend towards the American usage where "he was really pissed" is now much more likely to mean the latter.

I have not noticed that in the UK.

Answer 2

In New Zealand, that distinction still exists quite strongly. But, like you, I have heard a few people use "pissed" to mean annoyed, but the vast majority of the time, I have only heard it in the sense of being intoxicated.

I wouldn't worry too much about it though. There are so many words in English that mean "drunk" that it wouldn't cause too much to be lost. But yes, it is a little bit of a shame. But, we cannot stop the juggernaut that is the progression (for good or for bad) of the English language.

Answer 3

Being an American, I can safely say that both are used quite often to mean the same thing: angry or irritated. "I was so pissed when he spilled coffee on my new sweater" or "it really pisses me off when she talks down to me" would be understood in America as the speaker being angry. As far as I know, we never use pissed or pissed off to mean intoxicated.

Also, it is not common to use the imperative/insult (?) piss off in America, but if you were to use it you would be quite well-understood. :)

Answer 4

In Australia, we say 'pissed off' and 'pissed' interchangeably when someone or something has 'given us the shits'. For instance, 'you're being a jerk and now I'm really pissed'. This usage is not uncommon and sounds very natural however we do probably use 'pissed off' more - especially the older generation.

Of course we also used 'pissed' as 'drunk' but I just wanted to point out that the distinction described in the question does not exist. Interestingly, someone has pointed out that the distinction does exist in New Zealand but in Australia 'pissed' can be used in either context.