What it means
A person who keeps choosing the hard option and walking back into the same grief, stress, or chaos, even when they know it’ll hurt. Implies they’re weirdly wired for suffering, or at least can’t resist the drama. Usually said with a fond eye-roll when someone signs up for another brutal shift, workout, or doomed situation.
Usage examples
"Swore off dating apps after that horror date, then redownloaded them on Monday. You’re a proper glutton for punishment, mate, honestly."
"She signed up for another marathon already, what a glutton for punishment."
"Back for a second helping of that horror film? You're a glutton for punishment."
"You hated every minute of that spin class and still booked next week's. Absolute glutton for punishment."
"He said one family Zoom was enough for a lifetime, then offered to host Christmas. Man's a glutton for punishment."
Got something to say?
Edit, fix or tell us something. We review it and, if it is true, you will see it applied with your name on it.
Where it comes from
This one’s been around in English since at least the 19th century. It builds on glutton meaning someone who overindulges, especially in food. So a glutton for punishment became somebody who keeps coming back for more pain, hassle, or misery, almost like they’ve got an appetite for the rough stuff.
Other ways to say it
Editors of this term
Your vote counts
Is this real street talk or have we lost the plot? Cast your vote.