stomach bug: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
HighInformal, colloquial
Quick answer
What does “stomach bug” mean?
A common informal term for gastroenteritis or a viral infection causing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A common informal term for gastroenteritis or a viral infection causing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Can refer to any mild stomach illness, sometimes used metaphorically for temporary discomfort or setback.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'tummy bug' is also common, especially with children. In American English, 'stomach flu' is a frequent alternative.
Connotations
Informal and neutral, conveying a mild, common illness without severe connotations.
Frequency
Equally common in both varieties, but 'tummy bug' has higher frequency in UK informal speech.
Grammar
How to Use “stomach bug” in a Sentence
Noun phrase used as object of verbs like 'have', 'catch', 'get'.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stomach bug” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- I caught a stomach bug after the party.
- She has been stomaching the bug poorly, feeling awful.
American English
- He got a stomach bug from work.
- They are stomaching the illness with rest and fluids.
adverb
British English
- The stomach bug spread rapidly through the office.
- He recovered slowly from the stomach bug.
American English
- The stomach bug moved quickly through the daycare.
- She felt better gradually after the stomach bug.
adjective
British English
- It was a nasty stomach bug that kept him home.
- The stomach-bug symptoms included fever.
American English
- She had a terrible stomach bug last week.
- The stomach-bug outbreak was contained quickly.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used formally; may appear in informal emails for absences, e.g., 'He's out with a stomach bug.'
Academic
Not used in formal writing; 'gastroenteritis' is the technical term.
Everyday
Very common in casual conversation, e.g., 'My child picked up a stomach bug at school.'
Technical
Avoid in medical contexts; use 'viral gastroenteritis' or specific diagnoses.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “stomach bug”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “stomach bug”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stomach bug”
- Mispronouncing as 'stomack bug', or using it in formal written English.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It refers to a mild stomach illness, often viral, causing symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
No, it is informal and colloquial; in formal or medical contexts, 'gastroenteritis' is preferred.
Yes, it is common in both, though British English may use 'tummy bug' more frequently, especially informally.
By maintaining good hygiene, such as washing hands regularly, avoiding contaminated food or water, and staying away from infected individuals.
A common informal term for gastroenteritis or a viral infection causing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Stomach bug: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstʌmək bʌɡ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstʌmək bʌɡ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “down with a stomach bug”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a bug crawling in your stomach, making you feel 'buggy' or unwell.
Conceptual Metaphor
Illness as an invasion, with the 'bug' representing a small intruder disrupting the body's system.
Practice
Quiz
What is a formal medical term often synonymous with 'stomach bug'?