chunder: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Informal, Slang, Humorous
Quick answer
What does “chunder” mean?
To vomit.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To vomit.
Used informally to describe the act of vomiting, often as a result of excessive alcohol consumption or seasickness. Can imply a loud, forceful, or messy vomiting episode.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is strongly associated with Australian and British English. It is less common and not as deeply rooted in American English, where synonyms like 'puke' or 'barf' are more frequent.
Connotations
In BrE/AusE, it often carries humorous, laddish, or self-deprecating connotations. In AmE, it may be perceived as a quirky or unfamiliar British/Australianism.
Frequency
High frequency in informal Australian/British contexts (especially among younger speakers). Low to very low frequency in general American English.
Grammar
How to Use “chunder” in a Sentence
[Subject] chunders[Subject] chunders [Object: vomit][Subject] chunders up [Object: meal/drink]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chunder” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- After six pints, he had to chunder in the car park.
- I'm going to chunder if I look at that pizza again.
American English
- He read about the Australian's night out and how he 'chundered' behind the bar. (Used as a reported Britishism)
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- He had a chunderous expression on his face.
- The chunder bucket was passed around the coach.
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Used in very informal, humorous conversations, often about illness or drunkenness.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chunder”
- Using it in formal writing. Spelling it as 'chunda'. Assuming it is a standard medical term.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Its etymology is uncertain but is popularly associated with Australian slang from the mid-20th century. One folk etymology links it to the phrase 'watch under' as a warning on ships.
It is informal, slang, and deals with a bodily function, so it is not appropriate for polite or formal situations. It is more humorous and crude than deeply offensive.
Many Americans would not know it, or would recognise it as a British/Australian word from films or TV. They are more likely to use 'puke', 'barf', or 'throw up'.
Yes, though less common than the verb. E.g., 'There was chunder all over the floor.' It functions as an uncountable mass noun in this sense.
To vomit.
Chunder is usually informal, slang, humorous in register.
Chunder: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtʃʌndə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtʃʌndər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Chunder down the great white telephone (humorous, vulgar: to vomit into a toilet)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the sound of something heavy and wet CHUNKing unDER pressure – that's the sound of 'chunder'.
Conceptual Metaphor
VOMITING IS A FORCEFUL EXPULSION (like thunder).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'chunder' MOST appropriately used?