h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Why do people raise their voices in direct proportion to the volume of alcohol they have consumed?

I assume you mean volume rather than pitch. That's commonly known as 'Getting argumentative'; lots of people do it when they are drunk.

Regarding pitch, though, I have noticed that the pitch of some men's voices goes up an octave or two when they are stressed. I don't know if this is a Midland thing (I live in Redditch), but my husband does it and my ex-boss did it (both Midlanders, or at least working there). I once asked my ex-boss about it and he said, 'The effect of stress on some men is like some one getting a good firm grip on their balls.' Seems reasonable to me!

In my experience, the rise in pitch is usually associated with the person's tendency to be excitable, although I'm sure your boss is/was a wise man. Stress probably effects the highly excitable types in much the same way. And yes, I was referring to volume (loudness) rather than pitch.

I think it is because the hearing-nerve gets sedated, alcohol affects youre ears so that you don't hear as good as when your'e sober!

-B-

Pardon?

There you see!
No more for you!


-B-