ESL Podcast 870 - Using Caffeine as a Stimulant

high-strung - tense; with a lot of tension and anxiety; very alert; not relaxed

Caroline is a great doctor, but she's too high-strung to work in the emergency room.

wired - with a lot of nervous energy and excitement, unable to fully control one's actions and words, especially when one is under the influence of a medicine or a chemical substance

The new medication reduces Bryant's pain, but it makes him so wired that he can't sleep.

to be up all night - to stay awake all night, without sleeping at all

Jason was up all night with his wife at the hospital, but she still hasn't given birth.

to bounce off the walls - to have a lot of energy and be very active, in a partly uncontrolled way

Our kids had cake, ice cream, and soda at the birthday party, and now they're bouncing off the walls because they've had too much sugar.

to imply - to say something indirectly, but in a pointed way; to make a strong suggestion about something without saying it directly

The vice president implied that there would be a lot of changes in the company next year, but he hasn't said anything specific.

to snap at (someone) - to say something in an angry way, without thinking about it first; to have a short temper and speak in an angry way

I know you're upset about losing the client, but please don't snap at us.

energy drink - a drink that contains ingredients designed to help someone stay awake and have a lot of energy and a high ability to perform

What percentage of college students use energy drinks when they're preparing for exams?

caffeine - a chemical substance found in coffee, black tea, colas, and chocolate that gives people extra energy and helps them stay awake

What has more caffeine: a cup of coffee or a shot of espresso?

in (one's) system - in one's body, usually because one has eaten, drunken, or breathed in a substance

A lot of the soldiers who worked with chemical weapons are asking whether any of those chemicals are now in their system.

agitated - nervous, upset, and excited, with extra energy

Why does Victor become so agitated whenever he sees a police car? Do you think he committed a crime?

stimulant - a food, medicine, or chemical substance that makes one's body stay awake and become more alert and active

Some people have trouble falling asleep at night if they drink coffee or a similar stimulant in the evening.

to stay awake - to not allow oneself to fall asleep when one is very tired and/or at a time when one would normally be asleep

It must be hard for security guards to stay awake all night.

drowsy - very sleepy and tired, almost falling asleep

If you ever feel drowsy while driving, please pull over and take a short nap.

dose - the amount of medicine that should be taken at a particular time

The doctor increased the dose of his pain medication from 100 mg to 150 mg every four hours.

instant - sudden; immediate; happening right away

In our public speaking class, the other students try to give instant feedback on the speaker's performance.

jolt - a large and sudden increase in something, especially energy, enthusiasm, or activity level

Jumping out of airplanes gives Janice a jolt of adrenaline.

to not know the meaning of (something) - a phrase used to show that a word or phrase is not applicable to oneself, often used in a humorous way

You think Tim should relax? He doesn't know the meaning of the word! That man would work 24 hours a day if he didn't need to eat or sleep.