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sore

When used as an adjective for physical pain, "sore" usually describes a dull ache rather than a sharp or sudden pain. In the sense of being upset or resentful, it is more common in informal American English. In this context, it often implies that the person is acting childishly over a disappointment. The adverbial use (meaning "very") is quite rare today and is mostly found in old books or specific regional dialects.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Tuesday afternoon, Chloe is in a lecture hall while Karen is at a PTA meeting.
Karen Smith

You still sore about me mentioning your grades to the neighbors?

Karen Smith
Chloe Smith
Chloe Smith

I'm literally spiraling. Please just leave it alone.

💡
The conversation uses 'sore' in the sense of feeling resentful or upset. Chloe uses the internet slang 'spiraling' to describe her escalating anxiety, reflecting her dramatic personality and the strained mother-daughter dynamic.

Meanings

adjective

Painful or aching, especially when touched; inflamed.

"My muscles were sore after the first day of training."

adjective

Feeling resentful, annoyed, or upset about something.

"He is still sore about losing the promotion to a colleague."

noun

A raw or painful place on the body; an ulcer or lesion.

"She had a pressure sore on her heel from the tight shoes."

adverb

To a great extent; severely (archaic or dialectal).

"They were sore tempted to give up and go home."

Last Updated: May 22, 2026Report an Error