Alright, everybody, it’s time to talk about our feelings. Sometimes, saying you’re happy, sad, or angry just isn’t descriptive enough! There are many alternate adjectives and idioms to more accurately express specific emotions.
Different ways to say you’re…
Happy
Adjectives
Content - pleased and satisfied
Pleased - happy or satisfied
Delighted - very happy
Idioms
To be on cloud nine
Example: The team was on cloud nine after winning the championship
To be happy as a clam
Example: The child was happy as a clam at her birthday party
To be on top of the world
Example: I'm on top of the world after hearing about my promotion
To be a happy camper
Example: The sun is out, and it's the first day of vacation. I'm a happy camper.
Sad
Adjectives
Miserable - extremely sad
Unhappy - not happy or satisfied
Disappointed - feeling sad or unhappy because something didn't meet your expectations.
Upset - emotionally disturbed *can be used with sad or angry
Idioms
To feel blue - to feel sad
Example: My partner and I recently broke up, and I'm feeling blue.
Down in the dumps - to be in a sad mood.
Example: She failed her last two tests, so she's down in the dumps.
Torn up - very sad, devastated.
Example: The man was torn up after his mother passed away.
Angry
Adjectives
Upset - emotionally disturbed *can be used with angry or sad
Furious - very, very angry
Idioms
To be fed up - angry about something that has continued for a long time
Example: I'm fed up with the traffic in this city.
To lose one's temper - to lose control and get angry
Example: If he keeps bothering me, I'm going to lose my temper.
Tired
Adjectives
Exhausted - extremely tired.
Drained - physically or emotionally exhausted
Sleepy - ready to fall asleep
Idioms
To be beat - completely tired.
Example: After the week-long conference, I was beat.
To be out of steam - to have no more energy
Example: It's been a long, busy week. I'm out of steam.
To be burnt out - when your enthusiasm and energy for something is gone.
Example: I've worked at this company for five years, and I'm completely burnt out.
To be worn out - physically or emotionally exhausted
Example: After working 12 hours today, I'm worn out.
Sick
Adjectives
Ill - not in good health
Unwell - not in good health
Lousy - somewhat ill
Idioms
To be under the weather - when you feel a little sick or unwell.
Example: I'm feeling under the weather this morning. I woke up with a little sore throat.
To be sick as a dog - when you feel very, very sick
Example: I've been in bed for three days now. I'm sick as a dog.
Nervous
Adjectives
Anxious - extreme worry or nervousness
Worried - feeling concern about what is happening or might happen.
Concerned - feeling worried.
Tense - nervous, particularly in suspenseful situations.
Idioms
To be on pins and needles - to feel nervous anticipation
Example: She was on pins and needles waiting for the results of her big exam.
To have butterflies in your stomach - to feel nervous anticipation. *This idiom can also be used when talking about love or excitement.
Example: He had butterflies in his stomach before their first date.
To be a bundle of nerves - a very nervous person
Example: I'm giving a really important presentation at work tomorrow, and I'm a bundle of nerves.
Written by Mariah Wika