sick headache: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowdated/formal
Quick answer
What does “sick headache” mean?
A severe headache accompanied by nausea.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A severe headache accompanied by nausea.
A historical and somewhat archaic term for a severe, debilitating headache, typically understood as a migraine.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties consider it archaic. No significant regional difference in current usage.
Connotations
Evokes a Victorian-era medical description. May be used in historical novels or period dramas.
Frequency
Extremely rare in contemporary speech or writing in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “sick headache” in a Sentence
have a sick headachebe laid up with a sick headachesuffer from (a) sick headacheVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sick headache” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She was bedridden with a sick headache.
American English
- He was absent due to a sick headache.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Possibly in historical or literary studies discussing period texts.
Everyday
Virtually never used in modern conversation.
Technical
Obsolete in modern medicine; 'migraine with nausea' is the technical descriptor.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sick headache”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sick headache”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sick headache”
- Using it in modern contexts where 'migraine' is appropriate. Spelling as 'sic headache'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an obsolete term. Modern medicine uses specific classifications like 'migraine'.
Historically it could, but today it would be misunderstood. Use 'headache from being sick' or 'pounding headache with nausea'.
It is found in classic literature and historical texts, so language learners may encounter it and need to understand its meaning.
A 'sick headache' specifically implies nausea. A 'splitting headache' emphasises extreme pain but not necessarily nausea.
A severe headache accompanied by nausea.
Sick headache is usually dated/formal in register.
Sick headache: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɪk ˈhedeɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɪk ˈhedeɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None specific to this phrase]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a Victorian lady on a fainting couch, feeling SICK from a bad HEADACHE.
Conceptual Metaphor
PAIN IS AN UNWANTED FORCE / ILLNESS IS A BURDEN.
Practice
Quiz
What is the modern, common equivalent of 'sick headache'?