Özözmek

Özözmek is a Turkish verb that describes the act of being extremely thirsty. It conveys a more intense level of thirst than the common word "susamak." When someone özözmek, they are experiencing a desperate need for water, often due to prolonged exposure to heat, strenuous physical activity, or dehydration.

The word itself is onomatopoeic, mimicking the sound one might make when trying to swallow with a very dry throat. It evokes a visceral feeling of dryness and the urgent desire to quench that thirst. While "susamak" can be a general feeling of needing a drink, "özözmek" implies a more severe and pressing condition.

One might özözmek after a long day in the desert, during an intense workout without adequate hydration, or when recovering from an illness that has caused significant fluid loss. The feeling is often accompanied by a dry mouth, cracked lips, and a general sense of discomfort. The remedy for özözmek is, of course, drinking a substantial amount of water or other hydrating liquids. The word is primarily used in informal spoken Turkish to emphasize the severity of one's thirst.