vom
Low (Very informal/slang)Very Informal, Slang, Taboo
Definition
Meaning
(slang, chiefly British) An instance of vomiting; vomit.
Used informally to refer to the act of being sick, the substance ejected, or a state of nausea. Can also be used as a verb meaning to vomit.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
"Vom" is a clipped, slang form of "vomit." It is casual, juvenile, and often used for humorous or gross-out effect. It is not appropriate for formal or polite conversation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word "vom" is far more common and established in British and Australian informal speech. In American English, "puke" or "barf" are the more typical slang equivalents.
Connotations
In the UK, it has a slightly childish, university/student, or laddish connotation. In the US, it sounds distinctly British or may not be understood at all.
Frequency
Common in UK informal speech; rare to non-existent in standard US speech.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
to have a vomto do a vom (inf.)to be sick/vomVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specific to 'vom']”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Never used.
Academic
Never used.
Everyday
Used only in very casual, familiar settings among friends, often with humorous or graphic intent.
Technical
Never used; the correct term is 'vomit' or 'emesis'.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- I think I'm going to vom.
- He voms every time he sees that photo.
American English
- (Rare) He said he was about to vom after the ride.
adverb
British English
- (Not used as an adverb)
American English
- (Not used as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- The pavement was vom-splattered after the party.
- He had a vom-like substance on his shoe.
American English
- (Extremely rare as an adjective)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The dog was sick on the floor. (Note: 'vom' is too informal for A2 examples.)
- After the rollercoaster, he felt like he was going to vom.
- The smell of stale beer and vom in the alley was overwhelming.
- The comedian's graphic description of his festival experience, complete with tales of excessive vom, was both hilarious and horrifying.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the short, sharp sound of the word 'vom' – it sounds quick and explosive, like the action it describes.
Conceptual Metaphor
REJECTION/EXPULSION AS A FORCE: The body forcefully expels unwanted contents.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with Russian "вом" (a non-standard abbreviation). There is no direct equivalent; it is pure slang. The formal translation is "рвота" (rvota).
Common Mistakes
- Using it in formal writing or speech.
- Overusing it in contexts where a more standard term is expected.
- Americans assuming it will be understood in the US.
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is the slang term 'vom' MOST commonly used and understood?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very informal slang and can be considered vulgar or childish. Use 'be sick' or 'vomit' in polite conversation.
It is not standard American slang. Americans are more likely to say 'puke' or 'barf'. Using 'vom' may cause confusion or sound like you're trying to use British slang.
'Vomit' is the standard, neutral term for the act or substance. 'Vom' is a clipped, informal, and slang version of it, used primarily in speech.
Primarily, but it can also be used as a verb in very informal contexts (e.g., 'I need to vom'). However, 'vomit' is the standard verb form.