Puke vs. Barf — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 27, 2024
"Puke" and "barf" both refer to the act of vomiting, but "puke" is more commonly used in formal contexts, whereas "barf" is considered more slang and informal.
Difference Between Puke and Barf
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Puke" is often used in both formal and informal settings, conveying the act of expelling stomach contents through the mouth. Whereas "barf" carries a more casual tone and is typically used in informal conversations or among younger audiences.
When describing the physical act, "puke" can sound slightly less harsh and is sometimes used in medical or more serious contexts. On the other hand, "barf" is often associated with a sudden, more forceful expulsion and is used more colloquially.
In literature and media, "puke" may appear in a wider variety of contexts, from clinical descriptions to everyday language. Whereas "barf" is more likely to appear in humorous or light-hearted situations, emphasizing its slang nature.
The usage of "puke" spans various age groups and demographics, making it a versatile choice in language. On the other hand, "barf" might be more commonly heard among children and teenagers, reflecting its status as less formal.
The choice between "puke" and "barf" can also reflect the speaker’s intention to either soften the description of the act or to convey it with a sense of humor or disgust, depending on the context.
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Comparison Chart
Formality
Formal/Informal
Informal
Usage in Media
Broader
Mostly humorous
Audience
All age groups
Often younger demographics
Tone
Neutral/Mild
Casual/Forceful
Preferred Context
Medical/general
Casual/conversational
Compare with Definitions
Puke
To regurgitate food.
The baby puked up his lunch again.
Barf
To eject stomach contents in a forceful manner.
The dog barfed on the carpet.
Puke
To eject the contents of the stomach through the mouth.
She puked after eating spoiled food.
Barf
To throw up, particularly in a sudden or violent manner.
He barfed right after the roller coaster ride.
Puke
To forcefully expel stomach matter.
The bad smell made him puke instantly.
Barf
To vomit especially as a result of discomfort or disgust.
She barfed when she smelled the rotten eggs.
Puke
To throw up.
He puked all night after the party.
Barf
To regurgitate, often humorously used.
The movie was so gross that I almost barfed.
Puke
Vomit
He puked up his pizza
Wild with shame at puking up like a baby
Barf
To spew forth vomit.
He barfed his dinner after the stomach flu hit.
Puke
Vomit.
Barf
Vomit.
Puke
To vomit.
Barf
Vomited food.
Puke
The act of vomiting.
Barf
To vomit.
Puke
Vomit.
Barf
Vomit.
Puke
One regarded as disgusting or contemptible.
Barf
To vomit.
Puke
Vomit.
Barf
Of a system: to fail.
The program barfed as a result of the invalid input.
Puke
A drug that induces vomiting.
Barf
(colloquial) An expression of disgust.
Puke
A worthless, despicable person.
Barf
Eject the contents of the stomach through the mouth;
After drinking too much, the students vomited
He purged continuously
The patient regurgitated the food we gave him last night
Puke
A person from Missouri.
Puke
A fine grade of woolen cloth.
Puke
A very dark, dull, brownish-red color.
Puke
To vomit; to throw up; to eject from the stomach.
Puke
To sell securities or investments at a loss, often under duress or pressure, in order to satisfy liquidity or margin requirements, or out of a desire to exit a deteriorating market.
Puke
To eject the contests of the stomach; to vomit; to spew.
The infantMewling and puking in the nurse's arms.
Puke
To eject from the stomach; to vomit up.
Puke
A medicine that causes vomiting; an emetic; a vomit.
Puke
Of a color supposed to be between black and russet.
Puke
A person who is deemed to be despicable or contemptible;
Only a rotter would do that
Kill the rat
Throw the bum out
You cowardly little pukes!
The British call a contemptible person a `git'
Puke
The matter ejected in vomiting
Puke
Eject the contents of the stomach through the mouth;
After drinking too much, the students vomited
He purged continuously
The patient regurgitated the food we gave him last night
Common Curiosities
What does barf mean?
Barf is a slang term for vomiting.
What is puke?
Puke is the act of vomiting.
Is barf considered informal?
Yes, barf is considered informal and slang.
How is puke used in medical contexts?
Puke is used to describe the act of vomiting in both medical and general contexts.
Are puke and barf interchangeable?
While they both mean to vomit, barf is more informal and often used humorously.
Do puke and barf have different connotations?
Yes, puke is more neutral, whereas barf often conveys a more casual or humorous tone.
Is puke a formal term?
Puke can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Which term is less graphic, puke or barf?
Puke is often perceived as less graphic than barf.
Can barf be used in formal writing?
Barf is typically avoided in formal writing due to its informal nature.
What age group commonly uses the term barf?
Barf is more commonly used among children and teenagers.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
