barf bag
C1Informal, Slang
Definition
Meaning
A small bag, typically of paper or plastic, provided on airplanes or other vehicles for passengers to vomit into if they feel sick.
Any receptacle intended for catching vomit, or used as a metaphor for something profoundly unpleasant or nauseating.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is inherently humorous and vulgar, used to bluntly describe an object associated with illness and disgust. Its usage often carries a tone of dark comedy or intentional crudeness.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
UK English speakers are more likely to use 'sick bag' in formal contexts (e.g., airline announcements). 'Barf bag' is an informal Americanism, though widely understood in the UK.
Connotations
In the US, 'barf' is a standard, slightly childish slang for vomit. In the UK, 'barf' is understood but considered a strong Americanism; 'be sick' or 'vomit' are more neutral.
Frequency
High frequency in US informal/colloquial contexts; moderate-to-low in UK, where it is marked as an American slang term.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] grabbed the barf bag.They handed out barf bags.It's in the seat pocket with the barf bag.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A real barf bag (metaphor for something disgusting)”
- “That movie was a barf bag.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Used humorously or descriptively when discussing travel sickness or something revolting.
Technical
In aviation/medical contexts, the formal term is 'emesis bag' or 'air sickness bag'.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He looked like he was about to barf.
American English
- I almost barfed when I saw it.
adjective
British English
- It was a barf-inducing spectacle.
American English
- That's a barf-bag situation if I ever saw one.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The bag in the seat is a barf bag.
- If you feel sick, the barf bag is in the pocket in front of you.
- The turbulence was so bad the flight attendants started handing out barf bags proactively.
- His latest policy proposal is such a moral and economic train wreck, it deserves its own symbolic barf bag.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the sound 'BARF' – it's onomatopoeic for the sound of vomiting – and a BAG to catch it.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTAINER FOR DISGUST / RECEPTACLE FOR REJECTION (of food, experience).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calques like 'блевотный мешок'. The standard Russian term is 'гигиенический пакет' or, informally, 'пакет для тошноты'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it in formal writing or polite conversation. Confusing it with 'doggy bag' (for leftover food).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the term 'barf bag' be LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is informal and somewhat vulgar. In formal or polite situations, use 'sick bag' or 'motion sickness bag'.
They understand it, but it's recognized as American slang. The more common British term is simply 'sick bag'.
Yes, it's often used humorously to describe something considered disgusting or nauseating, e.g., 'That political ad was a real barf bag'.
In medical or aviation contexts, it's called an 'emesis bag' or 'air sickness bag'.