According to the online version of Merriam-Webster Dictionary, “hangry” is a jocular adjective to describe acting irritable as a result of feeling hungry. While the word may be considered a joke, it certainly is not very funny when experienced. Everyone has experienced feeling hangry sometimes, an amalgam of angry and hungry. The question remains as to whether it is a physical state of being, or rather a joke to describe irritability.

While the idea of hangriness may be a way to excuse pettiness on account of an empty stomach, studies show that being hangry has a scientific justification to it. The brain needs calories and nutrients in order to function correctly. The brain is dependent on glucose, and when those glucose levels fall, the brain has trouble functioning and doing normal tasks such as concentrating or even performing social tasks. Speech can become slurred and emotions go haywire.

According to a study published in a journal from the International Society for the Study of Individual Differences, there is in fact a correlation between anger and a lack of calories. They had two groups of students drink lemonade, one with calories and the other without. The groups then had the opportunity to blast loud music in strangers’ ears. The study concluded that those who drank the non-calorie lemonade were more aggressive, suggesting that a lack of calories correlates to the brain’s ability to process emotions and control aggression.

Students who play sports continuously need to make sure they are eating enough since they burned so much weight when practicing. “Anytime your body is not functioning at optimal levels, you will feel it psychologically,” physical education teacher Mr. Markey said. “When my wrestlers are losing weight, I need to make sure their blood sugar levels are steady so there aren’t any dangerous drops.”

If you want to know how to deal with hanger, you have to learn how to prevent it or tame it. Take snacks around with you, wherever you go. Of course you want these snacks to be somewhat healthy as well as practical for on-the-go purposes, just to tide you over before your next meal.

“The period right before lunch is the worst because you know that lunch is soon but you still have to go through an entire period before eating food,” junior Lauren Moskal said. “I try not to give in, but sometimes I’ll go and buy a warm muffin.”

Students of West Essex especially like protein bars, including Nutri Grain, Nature Valley and Kind bars. The lunchroom is open during most blocks, as well as before and after school so feel free to stop by and pick up a snack in between classes to boost up energy.

Hangriness is a serious condition and should be treated with caution. When approaching someone who seems hangry, try holding out a Snickers bar and reciting the phrase “you’re not you when you hungry.” If you ever experience symptoms of stomach growling and irritability, you may be experiencing hangriness yourself and should consult your local fridge or pantry on what to eat.