asian flu: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (historical/technical)Formal, historical, medical
Quick answer
What does “asian flu” mean?
A pandemic influenza outbreak that originated in East Asia in 1957.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A pandemic influenza outbreak that originated in East Asia in 1957.
Historically refers specifically to the H2N2 influenza pandemic of 1957-1958. Sometimes used metaphorically to describe economic downturns affecting Asian markets.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both use the term identically for historical reference. Slight preference for 'Asian flu' in UK, 'Asian influenza' appears more in US medical literature.
Connotations
In both varieties: historical medical event first, economic metaphor second.
Frequency
Very low frequency in contemporary usage outside historical/economic contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “asian flu” in a Sentence
The Asian flu [verbed]...Asian flu [was/were]...During the Asian flu,...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “asian flu” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Asian flu pandemic
- Asian flu outbreak
American English
- Asian flu epidemic
- Asian flu crisis
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphor for economic crisis originating in Asian markets.
Academic
Historical reference to 1957-1958 influenza pandemic.
Everyday
Rarely used; mostly by older generations recalling the pandemic.
Technical
Specific reference to H2N2 influenza strain origin and spread.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “asian flu”
- Confusing with 'Hong Kong flu' (1968 pandemic)
- Using as general term for any flu from Asia
- Misspelling as 'Asain flu'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Asian flu refers specifically to the 1957 H2N2 pandemic. Bird flu typically refers to avian influenza strains like H5N1.
It was first identified in Guizhou, China in early 1957 before spreading globally.
Some consider the geographical labeling problematic, especially when used metaphorically for economic crises. Historical medical usage is generally accepted.
Estimated 1-4 million deaths globally during the 1957-1958 pandemic.
A pandemic influenza outbreak that originated in East Asia in 1957.
Asian flu is usually formal, historical, medical in register.
Asian flu: in British English it is pronounced /ˌeɪʒən ˈfluː/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌeɪʒən ˈflu/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “catch the Asian flu (economic metaphor)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
ASIA + N + FLU = A Serious Illness Affecting Nations, First Launched Unexpectedly.
Conceptual Metaphor
DISEASE IS AN INVADER / ECONOMIC DOWNTURN IS A DISEASE
Practice
Quiz
What does 'Asian flu' primarily refer to?