Belch Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
belch
[bษltส ]
Definitions
after drinking soda
Expel gas noisily from the stomach through the mouth; burp.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| belch |
Informal situations, often used in a humorous or casual way. It can be considered impolite in certain contexts.
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| burp |
Commonly used in everyday, informal conversations. It is more common when talking about babies or when making light-hearted comments.
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| eruct |
Rarely used in everyday conversation and mainly found in medical or scientific contexts. It sounds very formal and somewhat clinical.
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Examples of usage
- He belched loudly after drinking the fizzy drink.
- The man couldn't help but belch after chugging the beer.
loud noise
A burp or the sound of a burp.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| belch |
Commonly used in casual conversations or informal settings. Sometimes considered impolite, but generally not as strong as other negative words.
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| burp |
Often used in informal or family settings, especially when talking about small children. Less formal and harsh than 'belch'.
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| eructation |
A formal or medical term, primarily used in scientific or medical contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The belch echoed through the room.
- His belch was so loud it startled everyone.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Health
- Belching is a normal bodily function that helps release excess air from the stomach, reducing discomfort.
- Certain foods and drinks, like carbonated beverages or beans, can lead to more frequent burping due to their gas-producing properties.
- Excessive belching may sometimes indicate digestive issues, so it's important for individuals to pay attention to their body's signals.
Cultural Perceptions
- In some cultures, belching after a meal is considered a compliment to the chef, while in others, it's viewed as impolite.
- Public displays of belching can be humorous or frowned upon, depending on cultural norms and contexts.
- Comedians often use belching as a comedic tool, playing on its unexpected and loud nature to elicit laughs.
Science
- Belching helps balance the pressure in the stomach and esophagus, essential for proper digestion.
- Sound waves created by belching are influenced by the size of the gas pocket; larger pockets often produce louder sounds.
- Researchers study belching to understand gas exchange in the digestive system and its effects on overall health.
Literature and Media
- Belching often features in children's literature and cartoons, adding humor and relatability to characters.
- Shakespeare included references to belching and flatulence in plays, revealing its long-standing place in humor throughout history.
- In modern media, belching is frequently used as a comedic element to signify laziness or lack of manners in characters.
Origin of 'belch'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Old English 'belcean', which means to 'to vomit' or 'to bring forth'.
- Its roots can be traced back to Proto-Germanic 'balkลnฤ ', which means 'to swell', highlighting the buildup of gas.
- Similar terms exist in other languages, showcasing the universality of the action; for example, 'burp' in English and 'eructar' in Spanish.
The word 'belch' originated from the Middle English word 'belchen', which is derived from the Old English word 'bealcian'. The verb 'belch' has been used in English since the 12th century. The noun form of 'belch' emerged in the late 14th century, referring to the act of burping or the sound of a burp.
See also: belching.