Feeling Stuffed Like a Turkey? Understanding the Idiom and Its Meaning

The phrase “stuffed like a turkey” is a common idiom used to describe someone who is extremely full from overeating. It conjures up an image of a Thanksgiving turkey plump and overflowing with stuffing perfectly illustrating the feeling of being pleasantly, but uncomfortably, full.

Origin of the Idiom:

The origins of this idiom can be traced back to the tradition of stuffing turkeys during the Thanksgiving holiday. In the early days of Thanksgiving celebrations, stuffing the turkey was a practical way to utilize leftover bread and other ingredients. Over time, the practice became synonymous with the holiday and the abundance of food associated with it.

Meaning and Usage:

The idiom “stuffed like a turkey” is typically used in a humorous or lighthearted way to describe someone who has eaten too much. It can also be used to express a feeling of being overwhelmed or overloaded, not just with food, but also with tasks, responsibilities, or information.

Examples:

• “I had three helpings of dessert, I’m stuffed like a turkey!”
• “After a long day of meetings, I’m feeling stuffed like a turkey with information.”
• “The kids were so excited about their Christmas presents, they were bouncing off the walls, stuffed like turkeys with anticipation.”

Variations:

While “stuffed like a turkey” is the most common form of the idiom there are a few variations that convey the same meaning:

• Full as a tick
• Fit to burst
• Feeling like a stuffed sausage
• As full as a Christmas goose

Cultural Significance:

The idiom “stuffed like a turkey” is deeply ingrained in American culture, particularly during the Thanksgiving holiday. It reflects the tradition of abundance and overindulgence associated with the holiday feast.

Next time you find yourself feeling overly full after a hearty meal, remember the idiom “stuffed like a turkey.” It’s a humorous and relatable way to describe the feeling of being pleasantly overwhelmed by the deliciousness of food. Just be sure to pace yourself and avoid overindulging too much, or you might end up feeling like a literal stuffed turkey!