We're No Longer Rotting in Bed, We're Hurkle-Durkling—Here's Why It Might Be Good for You

There are few phrases more popular right now than "rotting in bed"—a Gen Z term for idly spending the day in bed. Unfortunately, rotting in bed doesn’t sound positive (which could be the point). If this activity elicits a sense of shame, a sillier phrase, "hurkle-durkle," might resonate with you on the days you need an extra minute to chill.

To hurkle-durkle involves a prolonged time in bed—but not when you’re trying to sleep. For more insight, we asked author and self-care expert Katherine May to discuss how the activity benefits us and how to know when a hurkle-durkle moment has gone too far.

What Does Hurkle-Durkle Mean?

Hurkle-durkle means to lounge in bed past the point when it's time to get up. Originating in Scotland, the earliest reference is from an 1808 version of An Etymological Dictionary of the Scottish Language. While hurkle means “to draw the body together,” the origins of durkle and their combined use are less clear. Despite recent social media mentions, the term is not common in everyday speech.

When Is It Appropriate to Hurkle-Durkle?

Katherine May has written extensively about navigating challenging transitions in her book, Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times. She reminds us of a hard truth: No one escapes the harder seasons of life. In these moments, it’s more than appropriate to slow down as an act of self-care. It's also appropriate to take to our bed when we are too busy.

“We don’t always get the opportunity, but lounging in bed is a lovely way to make a slow start to the day, rather than the hurried one we’re so used to. I know it has associations with being lazy and unproductive, but we all need to learn to value rest and recovery in our busy lives,” May says.

To make the most of hurkle-durkling, use these chosen moments as a time to recharge. “By retreating to our cozy beds, we can catch up on sleep, read, watch TV, or spend time with a loved one,” says May. “We should treat it like a leisure activity that we can choose when we want it.”

Even people who always spring out of bed first thing in the morning could gain something from this activity. For example, insist you hurkle-durkle if you need a sick day. “It’s something we often resist doing when we’re sick, but the benefits to our recovery are huge,” says May. “It’s also a wonderful thing for new mothers to do while they bond with their babies.”