Term for the physical condition (also catarrh) after excessive consumption of alcohol, an intoxication. The meaning is unclear, according to one of the versions it derives not from the animal but from a sloppy pronunciation of the word "catarrh", which was once used in common parlance for general malaise and headaches. An old vernacular term for a state of intoxication was " drunk as a skunk". Possibly this has a reference to the cellar cat. The condition manifests itself in migraines, severe headaches, dizzy spells, trembling, stomach aches, heart rhythm disturbances, nausea, reddening of the skin, etc. Recent studies have also shown negative effects on the necessary dream sleep phase (REM sleep = Rapid Eye Movement).
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Dr. Christa Hanten
Fachjournalistin, Lektorin und Verkosterin, Wien