Tummy: meaning, definitions and examples

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tummy

 

[หˆtสŒmi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

feeling in the stomach

The tummy refers to the abdomen or belly area, specifically the stomach region. It is often used informally, especially when speaking to children or in a casual context.

Synonyms

abdomen, belly, stomach.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tummy

Informal or used with children; often related to light, non-severe issues.

  • My tummy hurts after eating too much candy.
  • The little girl complained of a tummy ache.
stomach

General term for the organ involved in digestion; often used in everyday conversation about illness or eating.

  • I have an upset stomach from that street food.
  • She felt butterflies in her stomach before the presentation.
belly

Casual conversations or when referring to a person's or animal's middle area without scientific implication.

  • He has a potbelly from drinking too much beer.
  • The dog rolled over so I could rub its belly.
abdomen

Medical or anatomical context; often used in formal or scientific discussions.

  • The doctor examined his abdomen for any signs of distress.
  • Muscles in the abdomen provide core support.

Examples of usage

  • My tummy is rumbling, I must be hungry.
  • She rubbed her tummy after eating a big meal.
  • He patted his son's tummy affectionately.
Context #2 | Noun

childlike term for stomach

In a more playful or childlike context, tummy is often used to refer to the stomach, especially in a cute or endearing way.

Synonyms

belly, tum, tum-tum.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tummy

Often used in informal settings, especially with or when talking to children. It's a gentle and affectionate way to refer to the stomach.

  • Does your tummy hurt?
  • Let's put some cream on your tummy.
tum

A very informal and somewhat cute or playful term for the stomach. Often used in the UK among close friends, family, or with children.

  • I've got a bit of a sore tum.
  • Let's give your tum a rest.
tum-tum

Very playful and typically used with very young children or in a very affectionate manner. Itโ€™s the most diminutive and cute of the set.

  • Is your tum-tum feeling better now?
  • Rub the babyโ€™s tum-tum after feeding.
belly

Commonly used in casual conversations with people of all ages. It can also refer to the abdominal area in animals.

  • My belly is full after that meal.
  • The dog rolled over to have his belly rubbed.

Examples of usage

  • Her tummy was full of butterflies before the big performance.
  • The little boy giggled when his tummy was tickled.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'tummy' is a diminutive form of 'stomach,' often making it sound more friendly and cute.
  • It first appeared in English literature in the 18th century, used primarily when talking to or about children.

Children's Language Development

  • Kids often use 'tummy' instead of 'stomach' as part of their language learning, showing how playful language can help them connect to concepts.
  • 'Tummy' can evoke emotional attachments and comfort for children, often linked with warmth and security.

Health and Nutrition

  • A healthy tummy is essential for good digestion, helping the body process food and absorb nutrients.
  • Listening to tummy sounds, like gurgling, can indicate hunger, digestion, or sometimes even a bug!

Cultural Variations

  • 'Tummy' is commonly used in British English, while in American lifestyles, 'belly' is more popular among adults.
  • In many cultures, playful words for the stomach signify warmth and affection during childhood.

Expressions and Idioms

  • Expressions like 'butterflies in your tummy' describe feelings of nervousness or excitement in a light-hearted way.
  • The phrase 'tummy ache' is widely recognized, often giving a softer touch to discussions about discomfort.

Translations

Translations of the word "tummy" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น barriga

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเฅ‡เคŸ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Bauch

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ perut

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะถะธะฒั–ั‚

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ brzuch

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใŠ่…น (ใŠใชใ‹)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท ventre

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ vientre

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท karฤฑn

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ฐฐ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุจุทู†

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ bล™icho

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ brucho

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่‚šๅญ (dรนzi)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ trebuh

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ magi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ า›ะฐั€ั‹ะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒฃแƒชแƒ”แƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ qarฤฑn

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ vientre

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,917, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.