punch-drunk

[puhnch-druhngk]

adjective

1. (especially of a boxer) having cerebral concussion caused by repeated blows to the head and consequently exhibiting unsteadiness of gait, hand tremors, slow muscular movement, hesitant speech, and dulled mentality.

2. Informal.,  befuddled; dazed.

punch-drunk

adjective

1. demonstrating or characteristic of the behaviour of a person who has suffered repeated blows to the head, esp a professional boxer

2. dazed; stupefied

Word History and Origins

Origin of punch-drunk¹

An Americanism dating back to 1915–20