Have you had a long work week and just want to sit idle while you unwind? Maybe you are mentally overwhelmed and prefer a bit of mindless activity. If so, then you probably want to “vedge out”. If you want to find out more about what this means, you are in the right place. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
Vedging out is a way to aggressively relax while being intentionally unproductive. It is a passive way of relaxing similar to being a vegetable. The meaning can be attributed to those who are in a vegetative state or a coma. Their body is present, but their mind is not there. Vedging out is a phrase used to mean willful lying entering a state of mindlessness and inactivity, without actually being in a coma.
Vedging out can also be explained as participating in activities that do not require deep thought or interaction. Watching simple tv shows for hours, or even playing simple video games are considered forms of vedgeing out. You can also vedge out by doing nothing at all, or performing tasks that require nothing more than muscle memory.
Example Usage
“I am so spent after a long week of nonstop projects, I just want to go home and vege out this weekend”.
“You don’t always have to be engaged with the room, you can just sit in a corner and vege out to let someone else shine”.
“It is nice to be able to let go of the bond on control and just vege out on occasion”.
“It is okay to vege out sometimes, but making a habit of being unproductive will lead to chronic laziness”.
Origin
There have been many idioms used over the years to refer to winding down and getting relaxed. Vedging out is just one such idiom. The phrase initially was used to explain a medical state of mental incapacity. The vegetative state was typically only used in medical situations. During the late 90s however, the phrase got an upgrade and was used as a slang term for relaxation.
Around this time, people called taking a break or rejuvenating passively vedging out. There is no exact origin of the phrase, but it was used most popularly by Julia Roberts. In the movie Pretty Woman, she uses the phrase “veg out” when referring to a desire for downtime.
Phrases Similar to Vedge Out
- Slow down
- Unwind
- Relax
- Mindless fun
- Loosen up
- Decompress
Phrases Opposite to Vedge Out
- Get to work
- Be productive
- Do something worthwhile
- Concentrate
- Get down to business
- Stay on task
What is the Correct Saying?
- The proper saying is – veg out.
Ways People May Incorrectly Say Vedge Out
The most common mistake people make when using the phrase is how it is spelled. However, it can also be used in the wrong context by those unsure of its meaning. Some ways that Vedge Out is used incorrectly are:
- Try to vedge out next time you are bored, you will get more done that way.
- Hey, is Tammy still over there vedged out in front of the TV?
- I don’t like just being all veged out, I need to relax and unwind.
- The best way to get active is to vege out once you get off work.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Vedge Out
Some ways that Vedge Out is used correctly are:
- Are you always trying to multitask even when you are on vacation? Try to vege out and give your mind a rest.
- There is something to be said for people who are able to work a double shift and then come home and vege out on the computer for hours.
- I wish that you would encourage your kids to get engaged with a hobby, just using the TV to vege out won’t boost their mental prowess.
- You will never do well in class if all you do is vege out instead of taking time to study after school.