misery, n. — Green’s Dictionary of Slang

misery n.

[its effects]

1. gin.

1933

‘William Juniper’ True Drunkard’s Delight 229: Perhaps, your tipple is gin; then you are for [...] misery.

2. (US) (bad) coffee.

1935		N. Algren Somebody in Boots 51: Gimme an extra lot o’ beans an’ two cups o’ misery.
1949		Monteleone Criminal Sl. (rev. edn).

SE in slang uses

In compounds

misery lights (n.)

(US) the flashing lights on a police vehicle.

2008

R. Price Lush Life 6: Lugo hits the misery lights, climbs up the Honda’s back.

In phrases

get the miseries (v.)

1. (US) to be tetchy, to be irritated.

1997–2003

‘Menstruation’ on Women’s Health on ninemsn 🌐 I get the miseries. Periods are so depressing.

2. (US black) to be in pain, to be ill.

2002

Lighter ‘Blog’ 28 Oct. on Redneckin’ 🌐 They say the bad news is we get the miseries (arthritis), then the good news is we forget we have it as the Alzheimer sets in.