montezuma's revenge: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareInformal, humorous
Quick answer
What does “montezuma's revenge” mean?
Diarrhea and stomach illness experienced by travelers to Mexico (or other foreign destinations), typically caused by consuming contaminated food or water.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Diarrhea and stomach illness experienced by travelers to Mexico (or other foreign destinations), typically caused by consuming contaminated food or water.
Any gastrointestinal illness acquired during travel to a foreign country, especially associated with unfamiliar bacteria in food or water.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is known in both varieties, but less common in British English where "Delhi belly" (for India) or generic "traveller's diarrhoea" might be preferred. American English uses it more broadly for illness from various destinations.
Connotations
Both varieties treat it as informal/humorous. British usage might perceive it as slightly dated or specifically American.
Frequency
More frequent in American English. British English prefers region-specific terms like "Delhi belly", "Montezuma's revenge" is understood but less commonly produced.
Grammar
How to Use “montezuma's revenge” in a Sentence
get/have/suffer from + Montezuma's revengeMontezuma's revenge + strike/hit/affect + someoneVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “montezuma's revenge” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was Montezuma'd after that street food.
- I hope we don't get Montezuma'd on this trip.
American English
- She Montezuma'd herself on the first day.
- We got totally Montezuma'd by the agua fresca.
adverb
British English
- He spent the day Montezuma's revenge–ly.
- (No natural adverbial use)
American English
- She was Montezuma's revenge–sick all afternoon.
- (No natural adverbial use)
adjective
British English
- He had a Montezuma's revenge kind of day.
- The Montezuma's revenge feeling ruined the excursion.
American English
- She was in a Montezuma's revenge state.
- That's a classic Montezuma's revenge scenario.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used; inappropriate in professional settings.
Academic
Not used; medical/epidemiological terms preferred.
Everyday
Used humorously among travelers sharing experiences.
Technical
Not used; clinicians use 'traveler's diarrhea' or etiological terms.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “montezuma's revenge”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “montezuma's revenge”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “montezuma's revenge”
- Using it for any diarrhea (must be travel-related).
- Spelling: Montezuma's (not Montazuma's or Montezuma).
- Capitalization: usually capitalized as a proper name.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while named for Mexico, it's often used humorously for similar traveler's diarrhea acquired in other developing regions.
It's informal and humorous. Some may find it culturally insensitive as it stereotypes Mexico; in polite or medical contexts, 'traveler's diarrhea' is preferred.
No, it's strictly informal. Academic or medical texts use 'traveler's diarrhea', 'enteric infection', or specific pathogen names.
British English often uses 'Delhi belly' (for India) or simply 'traveller's diarrhoea'. 'Montezuma's revenge' is understood but less common.
Diarrhea and stomach illness experienced by travelers to Mexico (or other foreign destinations), typically caused by consuming contaminated food or water.
Montezuma's revenge: in British English it is pronounced /mɒnˌteɪzjuːməz rɪˈvendʒ/, and in American English it is pronounced /mɑːnˌteɪzuːməz rɪˈvendʒ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Pay the price for local cuisine”
- “Suffer the consequences of adventurous eating”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember MONTEZUMA (the Aztec emperor) getting his REVENGE on visitors who disrespect local conditions by making them ill.
Conceptual Metaphor
ILLNESS IS RETRIBUTION / THE LAND TAKING REVENGE
Practice
Quiz
What does 'Montezuma's revenge' specifically refer to?