Vomit vs. Upchuck — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 17, 2024
Vomit is the medical term for expelling stomach contents through the mouth, while upchuck is a slang term for the same action.
Difference Between Vomit and Upchuck
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Vomit refers to the involuntary expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth, often due to illness, food poisoning, or other medical conditions. Upchuck is a casual, slang term for vomiting, used in informal contexts to describe the same action.
Vomit is the more commonly used term in medical and formal contexts, such as hospitals or health discussions. Upchuck, on the other hand, is used in informal speech and often carries a less serious connotation.
While vomit can be associated with various health issues, including gastrointestinal disorders, infections, or pregnancy, upchuck is typically used to describe a less severe or more casual instance of vomiting, like after overeating or due to mild nausea.
Vomit is derived from the Latin word "vomere," highlighting its longstanding medical usage. Upchuck is an American slang term that gained popularity in the 20th century, emphasizing its informal and colloquial nature.
In terms of usage, one might say, "I need to see a doctor because I vomited last night," while a more casual context might involve, "I upchucked after the rollercoaster ride."
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Expelling stomach contents through mouth
Slang for vomiting
Usage Context
Medical, formal
Informal, casual
Associated Conditions
Illness, food poisoning, medical issues
Mild nausea, overeating
Etymology
Derived from Latin "vomere"
American slang
Typical Sentence
"I need to vomit."
"I think I'm going to upchuck."
Compare with Definitions
Vomit
To eject matter from the stomach due to illness.
She had to vomit several times during her bout with the flu.
Upchuck
To vomit or throw up.
He felt so dizzy he thought he might upchuck.
Vomit
To regurgitate food or drink.
The dog started to vomit after eating too quickly.
Upchuck
To expel stomach contents casually.
She upchucked after the bumpy car ride.
Vomit
The substance ejected from the stomach.
The nurse cleaned up the vomit quickly.
Upchuck
To regurgitate food in an informal context.
After eating too much candy, the child upchucked.
Vomit
Eject matter from the stomach through the mouth
She used to vomit up her food
The sickly stench made him want to vomit
Upchuck
To throw up, especially in a non-serious context.
The joke was so gross it made me want to upchuck.
Vomit
Matter vomited from the stomach
The cell stank of vomit and urine
Upchuck
The act of vomiting in a slang manner.
The movie’s gory scenes made some viewers upchuck.
Vomit
An emetic.
Upchuck
To vomit or experience vomiting.
Vomit
To eject part or all of the contents of the stomach through the mouth, usually in a series of involuntary spasmic movements.
Upchuck
(informal) Vomit.
Vomit
To be discharged forcefully and abundantly; spew or gush
The dike burst, and the floodwaters vomited forth.
Upchuck
(informal) To vomit.
Joel began to upchuck all over the grandstand.
Vomit
To eject (contents of the stomach) through the mouth.
Upchuck
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
Vomit
To eject or discharge in a gush; spew out
The volcano vomited lava and ash.
Vomit
The act or an instance of ejecting matter from the stomach through the mouth.
Vomit
Matter ejected from the stomach through the mouth.
Vomit
An emetic.
Vomit
(intransitive) To regurgitate or eject the contents of the stomach through the mouth; puke.
Vomit
(transitive) To regurgitate and discharge (something swallowed); to spew.
Vomit
To eject from any hollow place; to belch forth; to emit.
Vomit
The regurgitated former contents of a stomach; vomitus.
Vomit
The act of regurgitating.
Vomit
The act of vomiting
Vomit
(obsolete) That which causes vomiting; an emetic.
Vomit
To eject the contents of the stomach by the mouth; to puke; to spew.
Vomit
To throw up; to eject from the stomach through the mouth; to disgorge; to puke; to spew out; - often followed by up or out.
The fish . . . vomited out Jonah upon the dry land.
Vomit
Hence, to eject from any hollow place; to belch forth; to emit; to throw forth; as, volcanoes vomit flame, stones, etc.
Like the sons of Vulcan, vomit smoke.
Vomit
Matter that is vomited; esp., matter ejected from the stomach through the mouth.
Like vomit from his yawning entrails poured.
Vomit
That which excites vomiting; an emetic.
He gives your Hollander a vomit.
Vomit
The matter ejected in vomiting
Vomit
A medicine that induces nausea and vomiting
Vomit
The reflex act of ejecting the contents of the stomach through the mouth
Vomit
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
Vomit
To expel stomach contents through the mouth.
The patient began to vomit after taking the medication.
Vomit
To throw up as a result of a strong reaction.
The sight of the spoiled food made him vomit.
Common Curiosities
What is upchuck?
Upchuck is a slang term for vomiting.
Is vomit a medical term?
Yes, vomit is commonly used in medical contexts.
Is upchuck used in formal settings?
No, upchuck is typically used in informal settings.
Can vomit be a noun and a verb?
Yes, vomit can be used both as a noun and a verb.
What is the origin of the term vomit?
Vomit is derived from the Latin word "vomere."
Can both terms be used interchangeably?
Yes, but vomit is more formal while upchuck is casual.
What causes vomiting?
Vomiting can be caused by various factors including illness, food poisoning, or motion sickness.
What is vomit?
Vomit is the act of expelling stomach contents through the mouth, usually due to illness.
Is upchuck considered slang?
Yes, upchuck is considered slang.
Can upchuck be a noun and a verb?
Yes, upchuck can be used both as a noun and a verb.
How might a doctor describe vomiting?
A doctor would typically use the term vomit.
Is vomit considered a serious term?
Yes, vomit is more serious and medically accurate.
What is the origin of the term upchuck?
Upchuck is an American slang term that became popular in the 20th century.
What might cause someone to upchuck?
Upchucking can be caused by overeating, mild nausea, or motion sickness.
How might a friend describe vomiting in a casual conversation?
A friend might use the term upchuck in a casual conversation.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
