Signification
To have a hangover.
Contexte culturel
In Slovenia, it's common to offer 'repa' (turnip) or 'zelje' (cabbage) soup to someone who 'ima mačka'. The 'cat' imagery is shared with Germany and Austria, reflecting a shared history of coffee-house and tavern culture. While 'maček' is used in Slovenia, neighbors in Croatia or Serbia might use 'mamurluk', though they understand the cat reference. Among Slovenian students, 'imeti mačka' is almost a rite of passage during 'Brucovanje' (freshman orientation).
Use 'Mam' for extra fluency
In casual speech, Slovenians drop the 'i' in 'imam'. Say 'Mam mačka' to sound like a local.
Watch the gender
Always use 'mačka' (masculine accusative). 'Mačko' (feminine) will confuse people.
Signification
To have a hangover.
Use 'Mam' for extra fluency
In casual speech, Slovenians drop the 'i' in 'imam'. Say 'Mam mačka' to sound like a local.
Watch the gender
Always use 'mačka' (masculine accusative). 'Mačko' (feminine) will confuse people.
The 'Moral' version
If you feel embarrassed about your behavior, definitely use 'moralni maček'. It shows high emotional intelligence in Slovenian.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the word 'maček'.
Včeraj sem pil preveč piva, zato imam danes ______.
After the verb 'imeti', we use the accusative case. For a masculine animate noun like 'maček', the ending is -a.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say you have a hangover?
Choose the correct option:
'Imam mačka' is the standard idiom. 'Sem maček' means 'I am a cat'.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You feel guilty because you were rude while drinking last night. What do you have?
'Moralni maček' refers to the psychological regret or 'moral hangover'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Greš z nami na tek?' B: 'Ne morem, ______ me daje.'
The variation 'maček me daje' is a common way to say the hangover is affecting you.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesVčeraj sem pil preveč piva, zato imam danes ______.
After the verb 'imeti', we use the accusative case. For a masculine animate noun like 'maček', the ending is -a.
Choose the correct option:
'Imam mačka' is the standard idiom. 'Sem maček' means 'I am a cat'.
You feel guilty because you were rude while drinking last night. What do you have?
'Moralni maček' refers to the psychological regret or 'moral hangover'.
A: 'Greš z nami na tek?' B: 'Ne morem, ______ me daje.'
The variation 'maček me daje' is a common way to say the hangover is affecting you.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsOnly if you have a very casual relationship. Otherwise, it's better to say you feel 'unwell'.
It comes from the German 'Katzenjammer' (cat's wail), referring to the noise sensitivity of a hangover.
The dictionary form is 'maček', but in the phrase 'Imam mačka', it takes the -a ending because of the accusative case.
Yes, it is the most common way for all generations to describe a hangover.
It's the guilt or shame you feel the next day, regardless of how your head feels.
Not really a single word. You would use a phrase like 'slabost po pitju alkohola'.
No, you only ever have one 'cat' at a time, no matter how much you drank!
Usually, it's specific to alcohol. For other substances, people use different slang.
Not at all. It's a lighthearted, slightly humorous idiom.
You say 'Sem mačkast' or 'Imam mačka'.
Expressions liées
mačkasta
similarhungover-ish
moralni maček
specialized formmoral hangover
maček me daje
variationthe hangover is hitting me
klin se s klinom zbija
builds onhair of the dog
biti pod gasom
contrastto be tipsy/drunk
