Barf Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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barf

[bɑːrf ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

vomit

To vomit; to regurgitate the contents of the stomach through the mouth. It is usually a reflex action triggered by the brain to expel harmful substances from the body. Barfing can occur due to illness, food poisoning, or excessive alcohol consumption.

Synonyms

puke, throw up, vomit.

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Word Description / Examples
barf

Often used in informal or slang conversations, especially among friends, to describe the act of vomiting in a more casual or even humorous manner.

  • I feel like I'm going to barf after that roller coaster ride.
  • That's so gross, I'm going to barf.
vomit

The most formal and medical term for vomiting, suitable for use in professional conversations, medical contexts, or when a more serious tone is needed.

  • The patient began to vomit shortly after consuming the food.
  • He felt nauseous and had to vomit.
puke

Another informal and somewhat crude term for vomiting, usually used in casual or less serious contexts. It has a slightly more negative or impolite tone compared to other words.

  • He puked all over the floor last night after drinking too much.
  • The smell of that food makes me want to puke.
throw up

A more neutral and fairly common expression for vomiting. It can be used in both casual and semi-formal contexts.

  • I think I'm going to throw up.
  • She had to throw up because she ate something bad.

Examples of usage

  • He barfed all over the floor after drinking too much.
  • She felt nauseous and knew she was about to barf.
  • The smell of the rotten food made him barf instantly.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'barf'

The word 'barf' originated in the 1950s as a slang term for vomiting. It is believed to be an onomatopoeic word imitating the sound of someone vomiting. Over time, 'barf' has become a widely recognized informal term for the act of vomiting.


See also: barfing.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,735, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.