ralph
Low (colloquial/slang)Informal, slang
Definition
Meaning
To vomit or throw up.
A slang term for the act of vomiting, typically used informally. Also used as a proper noun (name).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a verb in slang usage. As a proper noun, it's a male given name of Old Norse origin (meaning "wolf counsel"). The slang verb is unrelated etymologically to the name.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is similar in both varieties, but it is arguably more common in American slang.
Connotations
Humorous, slightly juvenile, or gross informal term. Not used in polite conversation.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but recognized as slang.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Subject + ralph (intransitive)Subject + ralph + (up) (transitive phrasal verb)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “ralph one's guts up”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Informal slang among friends, often humorously.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- After that fifth pint, I had to rush outside to ralph.
- The smell was so foul it made him ralph up his lunch.
American English
- The roller coaster made me want to ralph.
- He ralphed all over his shoes.
adverb
British English
- (Not used as an adverb).
American English
- (Not used as an adverb).
adjective
British English
- (Not standard. Possibly 'ralphing' as a participial adjective: 'a ralphing student').
American English
- (Not standard. Possibly 'ralphing' as a participial adjective: 'the ralphing frat boy').
Examples
By CEFR Level
- (Not typical for A2 level).
- I felt sick and thought I might ralph.
- The medicine tasted so bad it made him ralph.
- The combination of cheap vodka and greasy food guaranteed he'd be ralphing by midnight.
- She warned him that if he didn't slow down, he'd ralph up his dinner.
- The sheer visceral horror of the scene provoked a ralphing reflex in several audience members.
- His constitution was so weak that even mild seasickness would cause him to ralph violently.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine someone named Ralph who is always sick. 'Ralph' sounds like a harsh, throaty action.
Conceptual Metaphor
VIOLENT EXPELLING (The body violently expels contents)
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with the name Ральф (Ralf'). The slang verb has no direct single-word equivalent; use блевать or тошнить in context.
Common Mistakes
- Using it in formal contexts.
- Confusing it with the name in writing (e.g., 'He Ralph'd' vs. 'He, Ralph, said...').
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'ralph' be MOST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is informal slang and is considered crude or humorous. It is not for polite or formal conversation.
Its primary slang use is as a verb. Using it as a noun (e.g., 'a pile of ralph') is less common but possible in very informal contexts.
Its origin is uncertain but is likely imitative of the sound of vomiting. It emerged as American slang in the mid-20th century.
When used as the slang verb, no, it's lowercase (e.g., 'I'm gonna ralph'). When referring to the name, it is capitalized (e.g., 'My uncle Ralph').