barf

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

All four describe bringing up the contents of the stomach through the mouth, but they differ in register and connotation. 'Vomit' is the neutral, clinical term used by doctors and in formal writing. 'Throw up' is the most common everyday phrase in both American and British English, appropriate in casual conversation. 'Barf' is informal American slang, slightly milder than 'puke' but still too blunt for polite or professional settings. 'Puke' is even cruder than 'barf' and carries a stronger negative tone. 'Be sick' is the usual British English alternative for everyday use. For example: 'The doctor asked if the patient had vomited blood'; 'Luis threw up after the roller coaster'; 'The cat barfed on the carpet'; 'I felt like I was going to puke'; 'The little boy was sick on the bus.'

Common collocations

Etymology

'Barf' is an American slang term first recorded in the 1940s or 1950s. It is likely imitative in origin — the sound of the word is meant to resemble the sound of retching or vomiting. It began as college or military slang and spread into general use from there.