Being concerned about proper writing should be one a priority for everyone. However, it is not a walk in the park if you do not know words, phrases, and idiomatic expressions to get your message across. So, if you are confused with the idiom “to be loaded,” we will provide a detailed explanation on how to use it in this article.
The idiom “to be loaded” means to be intoxicated with either drugs or alcohol. But the most common use in the U.S. is when a person is extremely wealthy, so rich they are referred to as “loaded”. It should be used in writing when speaking of the very rich or the very drunk.
Finding the most appropriate idiomatic expression to use can be tedious when you are not well informed on idioms. Making an effort to use idioms when writing is impressive, but it would be a futile effort without knowledge. You cannot avoid reading and studying to become knowledgeable. Knowledge precedes usage.
What Does “To Be Loaded” Mean?
Although understanding the correct usage of an idiomatic expression is of the utmost importance, we still need to lay some basic foundations. You need to understand the meaning and the origin of the idiom first. The meaning helps you understand the right context to use the idiom, and the origin makes you aware of how people have been using it.
There are many interesting facts about idiomatic expressions, one of such facts is that idioms have both a figurative and literal meaning. So, when you come across an idiom, you can infer two different meanings from it.
The figurative meaning is also known as the denotative meaning, and it is the meaning you need to study to get. On the other hand, the literal meaning is also called the connotative meaning, and you infer it by looking at the words of the idiomatic expression.
However, this is interesting; some idioms have at least two figurative meanings, so you come across an idiom and look it up in the dictionary, and you will see two different meanings.
Right now, we will look at the meaning of the idiomatic expression “to be loaded.”
The idiomatic expression “to be loaded” has two figurative meanings that you can use in different contexts.
The first meaning of the idiomatic expression “to be loaded” is a feeling of intoxication caused by drinking too much alcohol or taking drugs. A drunk person is said to be loaded.
The idiom “to be loaded” can also refer to when a person injects himself with a substantial amount of drugs. When a person takes drugs (not necessarily medicinal drugs), you say the person is loaded.
The other meaning of the idiomatic expression “to be loaded” is to be wealthy, having lots of money and possessions. You say a wealthy person is loaded with cash.
What Is The Origin Of The Idiomatic Expression “To Be Loaded”?
As we mentioned earlier, the idiom “to be loaded” has two different figurative meanings; these meanings have their origins. However, no one knows the sources of the claims of the origin of the idiom and how authentic they are.
So, what is the origin or etymology of the idiomatic expression “to be loaded”?
The idiomatic expression “to be loaded” got its origin from an expression used in 1886. The expression was “take one’s load,” which originated from a phrase used in the 1590s, “drink one’s fill.” The idiom was used as slang at that time. This is the origin of the idiom meaning to be drunk.
When you use the idiomatic expression “to be loaded” to refer to a wealthy person, it has its origin in the early 20th century, precisely the 1910s.
This is very uncommon of any idiomatic expression, for an idiom to have two different meanings that you can use in different contexts and each meaning having its origin.
There is no validity as to how accurate the origin of the idiomatic expression “to be loaded” is; however, in the absence of any contradicting theory, we are compelled to accept these theories as to the idiom’s origin.
How Do People Use The Idiomatic Expression “To Be Loaded”?
Now, you clearly understand the meanings of the idiomatic expression “to be loaded” and the origins. Our next focus is on how people use the idiom.
The idiomatic expression “to be loaded” is used to describe a drunk person. A person who is intoxicated due to consuming too much alcoholic drink is said to be loaded.
When you use the idiom “to be loaded,” it could also refer to a person taking a dose of drugs, either medicinal or hard. The expression is used to describe any form of taking the drugs, either sniffing, injecting, or just consuming them.
Another way of using the idiomatic expression “to be loaded” is a description of a very wealthy person. You can also use it to describe the exquisite accessories of a thing. Anything that is well equipped and resourced is said: “to be loaded.”
The idiomatic expression “to be loaded” is not always written with the “to be,” you can use it without the preposition “to.” However, it is very important that you use it correctly and you use it in the right context with the right words.
You can see from the explanation above the different contexts that you can use the idiomatic expression “to be loaded.” You can use it when a person is drunk, a person is rich, or a person has consumed drugs (hard or medicinal).
With this knowledge of how and when to use the idiomatic expression “to be loaded,” you should be assured and confident enough to use it correctly when writing or speaking.
Illustrative Examples Of How To Use The Idiomatic Expression
Now that we have established the basic foundation, the meaning, the origin, and the correct way to use the idiomatic expression “to be loaded,” we will look at some illustrative examples that clarify the idiom.
- Everyone knows Julie is an alcoholic, and there is no time you will meet her that she is not loaded.
- When Jane brought her new car to school, everyone was amazed at how it was pimped and how loaded her car was.
- To break loose from poverty and be loaded, you need to work extremely hard, surround yourself with people with like minds, and take time to reflect and track your journey.
- Dave was expelled from college after falling sick, and a blood test revealed his body was loaded with different drugs. He had been taking them after school hours.
- For a person to be loaded, that person must have taken much alcohol. Doctors advise against that because it has adverse effects on the kidney, liver, and other organs.
- You cannot be loaded when all you do is stay at home all day, eating, drinking, and spending money without having plans for your future and sticking to the plans.
- An important rule my friends and I abide by; we never allow anyone who is loaded to drive the car. This rule was established after we were lucky to survive a crash.
- John’s friends decided to take him for a treat; unfortunately, he was loaded, and he threw up in the car on the way home, messing everyone’s clothes.
- You could tell from the bartender’s slurred speech that he was loaded, he tried denying it, but when he tripped and fell, everyone became aware.
- The state government has enforced a new rule, any driver who is loaded and is caught driving would be sentenced to three years imprisonment and have his license revoked.
- Our new neighbors are loaded; they have a yacht, 4 Rolls Royce, 3 Ferraris, and 5 houses in Beverly Hills. That is the dream life of every young person working.
- Almost all my friends ventured into cryptocurrency about five years ago, and I was skeptical about it. Now they are all loaded, and I do not have so much money. This is one of my regrets.
- Although my boss is loaded, he still takes the bus to work every day and orders the same meal with everyone in the office. He is a man I respect so much for his humility and generosity.
- Most drug addicts today all started out being friends with people who always loaded themselves. This is why the adage show me your friends, and I will tell you who you are is valid.
- Many hip-hop artists today are incapable of performing in an event without being loaded. It has become a norm, and it is sickening. This was not how it was some years ago.
- I guess I am not the only one who wonders why Melinda Gates decided to rent a beach that costs much after her divorce from Bill Gates. It proves she always wanted to show how loaded she is.
Other English Idioms
Final Thoughts
Coming across an idiomatic expression with more than one meaning is very rare, and you will find it very interesting and exciting to understand that idiom. The varying contexts of usage and the different origins are among the exciting things you will discover about such idioms.
Using idioms should be much fun; the idiom “to be loaded” can come in handy when addressing a situation. However, remember, the context determines the meaning the idiom infers.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.