upchuck
LowInformal, slang
Definition
Meaning
To vomit, to throw up.
A slang term for regurgitating stomach contents; sometimes used humorously or euphemistically.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used for sudden, forceful, or unpleasant vomiting; carries a crude, almost humorous tone. Not for medical contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood in British English but is strongly associated with and originates from American slang. British speakers are more likely to use 'be sick', 'vomit', or other slang terms (e.g., 'chunder').
Connotations
In AmE: informal, slightly crude but often used humorously or with children. In BrE: perceived as an Americanism, used for humorous effect or stylistic borrowing.
Frequency
Significantly more common and native-feeling in American English. Rare in unforced British speech.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Subject + upchuck (intransitive)Subject + upchuck + Object (transitive, rare)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms, the word itself is informal slang]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Inappropriate.
Academic
Inappropriate.
Everyday
Used in very informal, familiar, or humorous situations among friends or family, especially in AmE.
Technical
Not used in medical or technical contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The smell of the bins was so foul I thought I'd upchuck right there.
- After the rollercoaster, he ran to the bushes to upchuck.
American English
- The baby upchucked all over my new shirt.
- I feel terrible; I think I'm going to upchuck.
adverb
British English
- [No common adverbial use in BrE]
American English
- [No common adverbial use in AmE]
adjective
British English
- [No common adjectival use in BrE]
American English
- He had an upchuck reflex from the bad oysters.
- [Adjectival use is rare]
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The bad milk made the child upchuck.
- If you ride that spinning ride, you might upchuck your popcorn.
- The comedian's story was so disgusting it nearly made me upchuck my dinner.
- After the nauseating combination of turbulence and a strong odor, several passengers unashamedly upchucked into their sick bags.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of something coming UP from your CHUCK (stomach) and out.
Conceptual Metaphor
EXPELLING IS REJECTING / UNPLEASANT EXPULSION IS A FORCEFUL UPWARD MOTION.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation. Russian 'блевать' is the basic equivalent but 'upchuck' is slangier and more specific in tone. Do not use in formal writing.
Common Mistakes
- Using it in formal writing.
- Assuming it's a standard, polite term.
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'upchuck' be LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is informal slang. It is slightly crude but often used humorously rather than offensively.
Yes, but less commonly than as a verb (e.g., 'There was upchuck all over the floor'). The noun form is even more informal.
It is originally and predominantly American slang, though understood in other varieties of English.
'Vomit' is the standard, neutral term. 'Upchuck' is slang, implies a more forceful or unpleasant action, and is used for humorous or informal effect.