Learn English – Word to describe “fleeting, wandering and prone to drifting off” of thought

MT_Head's answer is spot on — saying "I'm full" isn't rude.

I don't think there is another single word that is similarly polite and well-understood.

If you want to avoid saying "I'm full", you could say things like, "I've had plenty," or "I've had too much already."

Host: "Would you like any more?"

Guest: "Oh, no thank you, I've had plenty. This was all wonderful, thank you."

Or...

Host: "Do you care for seconds?"

Guest: (leaning back) "Oh, no I can't, I've had too much already. Thank you, it was delicious!"

Or...

Host: "Please help yourself, there's plenty more."

Guest: "Oh, no, don't tempt me!" ( in a joking / laughing manner ) "No, I better not, thank you. This was all fantastic!"

All of these are ways to avoid saying "I'm full" which would sound natural. However, be prepared that "I'm full" is probably the keyword your host is looking for, so if they insist...

Host: "Are you sure? There's more dessert!"

Guest: "No, no I really can't. I'm perfectly satisfied right now, if I ate any more it would be too much."

In this way you can imply to your American host that you are not turning down the food because it isn't good, but because you really have eaten all you would like to eat — or even a few bites too much.

Really I think what this (sadly) reflects is that we Americans are prone to eating too much food when we really like it, so if you don't seem to have eaten "a little too much" your host may wonder if the meal wasn't to your liking.

So, while you don't have to say it yourself, it's probably best to understand that this is reason people in America say "I'm full." You're indicating to the host that the food was so irresistible you already had a little bit too much, and now you really must decline (or risk being sick!).

As an American this isn't part of my culture that I'm especially proud of, but it is what it is, and it's better to understand than to remain uncomfortable with it.

I hope this helps! Good question, by the way :)

A "Clavin" is dated but still funny. Cliff Clavin was one of the main characters on one of the most popular sitcoms of all time in the US - Cheers. He is the EXACT person that you describe in the most extreme way.

Terms I would use to describe Clavin would be:

1. Windbag
2. Bigmouth
3. Blowhard

Clavin Quote #1:

Well ya see, Norm, it's like this. A herd of buffalo can only move as fast as the slowest buffalo. And when the herd is hunted, it is the slowest and weakest ones at the back that are killed first. This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the whole group keeps improving by the regular killing of the weakest members. In much the same way, the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells. Excessive intake of alcohol, as we know, kills brain cells. But naturally, it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first. In this way, regular consumption of beer eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient machine. That's why you always feel smarter after a few beers.

Clavin Quote #2:

CLIFF CLAVIN - You know Rebecca, I don't know why you're so concerned about your figure. You know, back in the Renaissance times, full figured women were revered.

NORM PETERSON- Get out.

CLIFF CLAVIN - It's true. Yeah, yeah, artists would only paint big, voluptuous women. In fact, that's how they got rid of a lot of their old paint.

Clavin Quote #3

You know, there's a lot of misunderstanding about rats. The rodendus vermikitis as they're called in Latin. It turns out our long tailed friend wasn't after all responsible for the dreaded bubonic plague as alleged through history. Yes, sir. It was caused by an animal called the bubon. That's right, and the threat by the way is still with us. So if anyone does see a bubon, contact your local authorities.

Clavin Quote #4

Norm, it's a little known fact that the word Florida comes from the language of the Okie Canokie Indians and it means, literally, place where the old people come to sweat.

Clavin Quote #5

You see Sammy, topless waitresses, scientific fact, they can deliver drinks faster than their clothed counterparts.