What makes you 'hangry'? 6 Minute English

Summary

In this episode of '6 Minute English,' Neil and Dan explore the concept of being 'hangry'—a blend of 'hungry' and 'angry.' They discuss how hunger can trigger irritability due to hormonal changes, particularly with lower blood sugar levels causing increased cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones prepare the body for fight-or-flight responses, which can result in anger and impulsive behavior. The hosts also delve into the origin of the term 'hangry,' explaining how it emerged before social media but gained prominence through it. The episode also features vocabulary lessons, including terms like 'irritability,' 'rage,' and 'impulsive.'

Takeaways

• 😀 The term 'hangry' combines the words 'hungry' and 'angry', describing the state of being irritable due to hunger.
• 😀 The word 'hangry' was popularized by social media, but the concept has been recognized by science for a long time.
• 😀 Sophie Medlin, a nutrition expert, explains that hunger leads to irritability due to the body's hormonal changes.
• 😀 When blood sugar drops, cortisol and adrenaline increase, triggering the fight-or-flight response, which can lead to anger.
• 😀 Hormones related to hunger overlap with those linked to aggression, such as anger and rage.
• 😀 'Irritability' refers to being easily annoyed or not in a good mood, and is a symptom of being 'hangry'.
• 😀 The body produces chemicals, called hormones, that control various biological and psychological functions, including emotions.
• 😀 The term 'portmanteau' refers to words that combine two different words, like 'hangry', 'brunch', or 'Brexit'.
• 😀 'Impulsive' behavior refers to acting without thinking or considering the consequences, often triggered by hunger-induced emotions.
• 😀 The conversation emphasizes the connection between hunger and emotional reactions like anger, rage, and poor decision-making.
• 😀 The episode provides vocabulary learning opportunities, with explanations of words like 'merge', 'rage', 'impulsive', and 'irritability'.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the conversation between Neil and Dan?

The main topic is the feeling of anger that can arise when someone is hungry, commonly referred to as being 'hangry'.

What is a 'portmanteau' word, as discussed in the script?

A portmanteau word is a word that is created by combining two different words together, such as 'hangry', 'brunch', and 'Brexit'.

How did social media contribute to the word 'hangry' becoming more popular?

Social media helped popularize the word 'hangry', though it first appeared in the 1990s. The blending of 'hungry' and 'angry' was amplified through social platforms.

According to Sophie Medlin, why do people get angry when they are hungry?

When blood sugar levels drop, the body releases hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones, which are also involved in the fight-or-flight response, can lead to irritability, anger, and impulsive behaviors.

What role do hormones play in the feeling of anger when someone is hungry?

Hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, released when blood sugar is low, trigger responses in the brain that can lead to anger, rage, and impulsive behavior.

What does 'irritability' mean in the context of the script?

'Irritability' refers to a state where a person is easily annoyed or upset, which can be a result of being hungry, as mentioned in the script.

What is the connection between the words 'rage' and 'impulsivity' in the context of being hungry?

When people are hungry, the same hormones that trigger rage and impulsivity can cause them to act without thinking, leading to aggressive or poor decision-making.

What does the term 'impulsive' mean as used in the conversation?

'Impulsive' refers to actions taken without thinking about the consequences, often driven by strong emotions like anger or hunger.

What is the difference between 'anger' and 'rage' as discussed in the script?

While 'anger' refers to general feelings of being upset or irritated, 'rage' is a more extreme state of anger, where a person may act aggressively or violently.

Why did Neil refer to himself as 'hangry' during the conversation?

Neil called himself 'hangry' because he was feeling both hungry and angry, which is the combination of emotions that the term 'hangry' describes.