lurgy

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Chiefly preceded by the. — Idleness or laziness regarded as a medical condition; also, depression, especially resulting from a hangover.

Register: archaic, humorous, slang

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

Both in the lurgy and the gripes, / These cakes are useful things, / And fit to stop the small windpipes / Of little nasty kings.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Chiefly preceded by the. — A non-specific (often infectious) disease, especially one with symptoms similar to those of a cold or flu, which renders one unfit to attend social events, go to work, etc.

Register: humorous, slang

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “lurgy” mean?

Chiefly preceded by the. — Idleness or laziness regarded as a medical condition; also, depression, especially resulting from a hangover.

Is “lurgy” formal or informal?

lurgy is generally archaic, humorous, slang.