earp
Very LowSlang, Colloquial, Informal, Vulgar
Definition
Meaning
Verb meaning to vomit or regurgitate.
A slang, chiefly Australian term for vomiting. Also used as an exclamation (like 'blergh') to express disgust or nausea.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This is a slang term specific to Australian English, often used humorously or to downplay the act of vomiting. It carries connotations of casualness rather than medical seriousness.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
This word is virtually unknown in both standard British and American English. Its usage is almost exclusively Australian slang.
Connotations
In Australian English, it's a crude but common slang term. Elsewhere, it is simply not used and would likely cause confusion.
Frequency
Frequency is near-zero outside of Australia. Within Australia, it is a recognized, if informal, part of the lexicon.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Someone] earps.[Someone] earps [something] up.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “technicolour yawn (related Australian slang)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Never used.
Academic
Never used.
Everyday
Used informally in Australia, typically among friends or in casual settings to describe vomiting.
Technical
Never used in medical contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- (Not used in BE)
American English
- (Not used in AmE)
adverb
British English
- (Not used in BE)
American English
- (Not used in AmE)
adjective
British English
- (Not used in BE)
American English
- (Not used in AmE)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- (Not applicable - slang beyond A2 level)
- After the rollercoaster, I felt like I was going to earp.
- The smell from the bin was so foul it made him earp instantly.
- He'd had one too many beers and ended up earpping in the garden.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine the sound 'urp' or 'erp' someone makes before being sick. 'Earp' is just a spelling of that sound.
Conceptual Metaphor
VOMITING IS AN EXPRESSIVE NOISE/SOUND (Onomatopoeic).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'ear' (ухо). The word has no direct Russian equivalent and is slang. Use 'блевать' or 'тошнить' for the general meaning.
Common Mistakes
- Using it in formal writing.
- Using it outside an Australian context and expecting to be understood.
- Spelling it as 'urp' or 'erp'.
Practice
Quiz
'Earp' is primarily used in which variety of English?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but only as an informal slang term in Australian English. It is not part of the standard English lexicon.
No, it is highly informal and vulgar slang. Use 'vomit', 'be sick', or 'regurgitate' instead.
It is onomatopoeic, originating from the sound associated with vomiting.
Only by a similar onomatopoeic structure (both imitating bodily sounds), but they describe completely different actions.