wallow

Imagine a pig happily rolling around in the mud: that is one clear picture of wallowing. But the word is not just for animals. People can wallow too, usually by staying in sadness, disappointment, or self-pity longer than they should. Someone might wallow in regret after making a mistake. The word can also be used in a more pleasant way, for times when someone gives themselves fully to comfort or luxury, like wallowing in a warm bath or in the joy of success.

To wallow originally meant to roll around in mud, water, or dirt, like pigs often do. That physical sense is still common; you might see animals wallowing in a muddy patch on a hot day. Over time, the word also came to describe a very human habit: giving yourself over completely to a feeling, most often a negative one.

When someone wallows in sadness or self-pity, they are not just feeling those emotions for a moment. They stay in them, dwell on them, and almost seem to sink deeper into them. For example: "After failing the exam, she spent the weekend wallowing in her disappointment."

But wallow is not always negative. You can also wallow in comfort, pleasure, or luxury. Think of sinking into a soft armchair with a good book and a cup of tea; that is wallowing in comfort. You could also celebrate a big win and wallow in your success for a while.

The main idea is deep, sometimes excessive immersion. Whether you picture a pig in the mud or a person lost in emotion, wallow suggests giving in fully to the experience, for better or for worse.