slurred speech

[/ˈslɜːrd spiːtʃ/]
noun
fala arrastada
1. Speech that is indistinct or unclear, with sounds blended together, often caused by alcohol intoxication, neurological conditions, fatigue, or medical issues
After drinking several beers, his slurred speech made it difficult for others to understand him.
Depois de beber várias cervejas, sua fala arrastada tornou difícil para os outros compreendê-lo.
2. Spoken words pronounced unclearly or in a mumbled manner
The doctor noticed slurred speech as a symptom of the stroke.
O médico notou fala arrastada como sintoma do acidente vascular cerebral.
Slurred speech is commonly associated with intoxication in both American and Brazilian cultures, making it a frequent indicator for assessing sobriety. In medical contexts, it's taken seriously as a warning sign of stroke or neurological issues. In Brazil, the term 'fala empastada' has become particularly colloquial in urban areas when describing alcohol impairment.
NYC Slang
slurred talk, drunk mouth, sloppy speech
Synonyms / Sinônimos
mumbled speechindistinct speechunclear speechdysarthric speechlisping speech
Antonyms / Antônimos
clear speecharticulate speechdistinct speechcrisp speech

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
fala arrastada
Most common and standard term used in Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
fala empastada
Common colloquial term in Rio, often used to describe alcohol-related speech
São Paulo
fala arrastada / fala pastosa
Both terms are used; pastosa emphasizes thickness and unclearness
Portugal
fala arrastada / dicção enrolada
Portuguese Portuguese may also use 'dicção comprometida' in medical contexts

Related Words

dysarthriaspeech impedimentintoxicationenunciationarticulationpronunciation

Related Idioms & Phrases

tongue-tied
lose one's words
talk through one's hat
mumble jumbo
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