Glutton: A Negative Word for Excessive Eating Habits

The word “glutton” is a strong, slightly negative noun used to describe a person who eats far more than is necessary. While many learners understand it loosely as “someone who eats a lot,” the word actually carries a sense of lack of control and excess. It is commonly used in everyday English, literature, and exam contexts, such as IELTS, when discussing habits, health, or behaviour. In this post, you’ll learn how to use it correctly, understand its tone, avoid common mistakes, and decide when it is appropriate or inappropriate to use this word in real-life English.

1. Word Overview

Part of Speech: Noun

2. Pronunciation

IPA: /ˈɡlʌt.ən/

Hindi pronunciation:

ग्लटन

(Short and sharp sound — GLUT-un)

3. Meaning

English Meaning

A person who eats too much, often without control.

Hindi Meaning

जो व्यक्ति बहुत ज़्यादा और बेवजह खाता है, पेटू

(खाने में संयम न रखने वाला व्यक्ति)

4. Usage Explanation

This word is used to:

• Criticise unhealthy eating habits
• Describe someone humorously (among friends)
• Talk about excess or lack of self-control

It is also sometimes used figuratively, for example:

a glutton for punishment (someone who accepts suffering again and again)

Usage:

Common in spoken English

Also used in written English, especially opinion writing and IELTS answers

5. Formality Level

Formality: Neutral but negative in tone

Suitability:

⚠️ Daily conversation: Yes, but be careful

⚠️ Professional English: Use cautiously

✅ IELTS / TOEFL / competitive exams: Very useful

🚫 Avoid calling someone a glutton directly unless the context is clearly humorous.

6. Common Collocations

1. A real glutton – someone who eats excessively

2. Glutton for punishment – idiomatic expression

3. Known as a glutton – reputation for overeating

4. Complete glutton – strong criticism

5. Gluttonous behaviour – excessive eating habits

6. Social glutton – humorous modern usage

7. Real-Life Examples

1. She jokingly calls herself a glutton when it comes to street food.

2. In IELTS Writing, you could say: “Modern lifestyles are encouraging people to become gluttons.”

8. Common Learner Mistakes

❌ Mistake 1

Using it for someone who just enjoys food

❌ She loves food, so she is a glutton.

✔️ Use this word only when there is excess.

❌ Mistake 2

Using it casually with strangers

Calling someone a glutton can sound rude.

✔️ Use it carefully or humorously.

❌ Mistake 3

Confusing it with “foodie”

✔️ Foodie = enjoys food

✔️ This word means someone who eats too much

9. Word Family

• Glutton (noun)
• Gluttonous (adjective) – excessive eating
• Gluttony (noun) – habit of overeating

10. Quick Tip for Learners

Memory trick:

If someone eats beyond hunger, not just for pleasure – think of this word, not food lover.

Understanding tone is as important as meaning – that’s how fluent English truly sounds natural.

Understanding words that describe behaviour is essential if you want your English to sound accurate, natural, and mature. Some terms do more than explain an action; they also express judgment, attitude, or social boundaries. That is why it is important to learn not just the meaning, but also the tone and context in which such words are used.

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