Rex Trulove
Have you ever used the word, “groggy”? This is an adjective used to describe the feeling of being weak, dazed, unsteady, or half-asleep.
The word might be used in a way like this: “Don’t expect a lot out of Pete this morning. He didn’t get much sleep tonight and is a little groggy.”
The term has a rather interesting origin. It came from Admiral Edward Vernon, who lived between the late-1600’s and mid-1700’s. Admiral Vernon commanded that his men receive diluted rum daily.
Now, the Admiral was known to often wear a cloak of grogram. Grogram is a very coarse fabric and the word is French for large grain. Because of his habit, the Admiral was known as ‘Old Grog’.
The diluted rum took on the name from the person who inspired it and became known as grog. Naturally, anyone who had a bit too much grog to drink was said to be groggy.
We have the word today because of that historical tidbit. A person can be groggy due to drinking too much alcohol, from being sick, or from the lack of sleep. Still, the term came from a practice started by Old Grog, Admiral Vernon. It has been in use since at least 1770.
It’s interesting to know the origin. Groggy is my usual state when I wake up in the morning.
It is mine as well. I seem to be that way until I’ve had some coffee.
A wonderful story about Admiral Vernon. I like the rum more. Is Cuba the best?
You know, that makes me wonder where Admiral Vernon sailed. I used to like rum and preferred Puerto Rican rum, though rum can be made almost anywhere that sugar cane is grown.
How cool to know this. Yes I feel groggy often! And I will think of the Admiral (Old Grog) from now on.
Isn’t it amazing how some words come into being?
I wonder about so many words that make no sense at all!
that’s a very good article! one can learn something new every day, even for free! thank you 🙂 that’s the word for today
There are so many words that have really interesting origins. That’s why I like this stuff. lol