Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Barfing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🤮
Add to dictionary

barfing

[ˈbɑːrfɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

intransitive

To vomit; to eject the contents of the stomach through the mouth.

Synonyms

puke, throw up, vomit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
barfing

This is a slang term often used in casual or informal conversations, usually between friends or family.

  • I feel so sick, I was barfing all night.
  • The smell of rotten food made him start barfing.
vomit

This is the most formal and clinical term. It’s appropriate for serious or medical discussions.

  • The doctors noted that the patient began to vomit after taking the medication.
  • Excessive alcohol consumption can induce vomiting.
puke

This term is also slang and might be considered mildly crude or childish. It's common in informal settings.

  • She looked at the mess with disgust and said, 'Someone needs to clean up that puke!'
  • Just the thought of eating that made me want to puke.
throw up

This is a more polite, yet still informal, way to describe vomiting. It's suitable for most casual conversations.

  • I think I need to lie down; I might throw up.
  • He threw up after he ate that bad sushi.

Examples of usage

  • He had too much to drink and ended up barfing all night.
  • She felt sick and knew she was going to start barfing soon.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Health

  • Vomiting can be a protective mechanism, as it helps remove harmful substances or toxins from the stomach.
  • It is often linked with food poisoning, motion sickness, migraines, or viral infections and can indicate distress in the gastrointestinal system.

Cultural References

  • In many comedies, barfing is portrayed humorously, serving as a source of shock or laughter, common in film scenes to elicit strong reactions.
  • Various films, such as 'Stand By Me', include comedic or dramatic barfing scenes, showcasing how common this bodily function is in storytelling.

Psychology

  • The act can induce feelings of relief after a period of nausea, often leading to a sense of 'feeling better' post-vomiting.
  • Psychologically, the aversion to barfing can cause anxiety in individuals, sometimes leading to a specific phobia of vomiting known as 'emetophobia'.

Science

  • During barfing, the muscles in the stomach contract, while the lower esophageal sphincter relaxes, allowing contents to be expelled.
  • The process involves a rapid expulsion of air and stomach contents, often driven by the body's autonomic nervous system which controls involuntary actions.

Origin of 'barfing'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'barf' originated in American slang in the 1960s, evolving from the earlier term 'barfbag', referring to bags used in cars for motion sickness.
  • It appears to be of onomatopoeic origin, mimicking the sound often associated with vomiting.

The origin of the word 'barf' is uncertain, but it is believed to have emerged in the 20th century as a slang term for vomiting. The term 'barfing' is colloquial and informal, commonly used in casual conversation to describe the act of vomiting. It is considered a more light-hearted and humorous term compared to medical or formal terms like 'vomiting' or 'emesis'.

See also: barf.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #42,107, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.