Vomit vs. Yak — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 27, 2024
Vomit refers to the act of expelling stomach contents through the mouth, a reflex often caused by illness or disgust; yak primarily denotes a large domesticated wild ox used in Tibet and Central Asia for transport and milk.
Difference Between Vomit and Yak
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Vomit is a physical reaction where the body forcefully expels contents from the stomach through the mouth, often as a protective reflex against toxins or gastrointestinal distress. Yak, in its primary sense, refers to a large bovid found in the mountainous regions of Central Asia, valued for its ability to adapt to high altitudes and cold temperatures.
The term "vomit" can also metaphorically describe something very unpleasant or abhorrent in various contexts, such as "the movie was vomit-inducing." In contrast, "yak" as a verb in casual speech means to talk at length about trivial matters, often without significant purpose or interest to the listener.
While vomiting is generally an involuntary response to physical illness or external stimuli such as foul odors or disturbing sights, yakking (verb) involves voluntary, often excessive, spoken communication that can be either enthusiastic or tedious, depending on the context.
Vomiting is usually an immediate and uncontrollable reaction that is physically draining and can be a symptom of a health issue, requiring medical attention if persistent. On the other hand, yakking is a social behavior that can be controlled and is generally harmless, though it may be socially annoying if prolonged.
Both vomiting and yakking can be responses to stress or discomfort, albeit in very different ways. Vomiting is a physiological reaction to physical stressors, whereas yakking might be a psychological response to social stress or anxiety.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
Expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth.
A large domesticated wild ox or informal talking.
Context
Medical, often indicates illness.
Animal husbandry or casual conversation.
Physical/Verbal
Physical reflex action.
Physical animal or verbal activity.
Voluntary/Involuntary
Involuntary response to discomfort.
Animal is natural; talking is voluntary.
Connotation
Generally negative (illness, disgust).
Dual: animal is neutral, talking can be negative.
Compare with Definitions
Vomit
Eject matter from the stomach through the mouth.
She had to vomit after eating spoiled food.
Yak
An animal adapted to cold, high-altitude environments.
Yaks thrive in the snowy conditions of the Himalayas.
Vomit
An uncontrollable physical reflex.
Vomiting is a common symptom of the flu.
Yak
To talk at length about trivial matters.
They yakked all night about old TV shows.
Vomit
To expel harmful substances from the body.
His body reacted to the poison by vomiting.
Yak
Informal chatter or gossip.
The party was loud with guests yakking.
Vomit
A response to revulsion or overwhelming distress.
The sight was so gruesome it made him vomit.
Yak
A large domesticated bovid used in Central Asia.
The yak provided essential milk and wool for the villagers.
Vomit
To forcefully expel contents.
The volcano vomited lava and ash.
Yak
A verb describing prolonged conversation.
She can yak for hours on the phone.
Vomit
Eject matter from the stomach through the mouth
She used to vomit up her food
The sickly stench made him want to vomit
Yak
The domestic yak (Bos grunniens) is a long-haired domesticated cattle found throughout the Himalayan region of the Indian subcontinent, the Tibetan Plateau, Northern Myanmar, Yunnan, Sichuan and as far north as Mongolia and Siberia. It is descended from the wild yak (Bos mutus).
Vomit
Matter vomited from the stomach
The cell stank of vomit and urine
Yak
A large domesticated wild ox with shaggy hair, humped shoulders, and large horns, used in Tibet as a pack animal and for its milk, meat, and hide.
Vomit
An emetic.
Yak
Trivial or unduly prolonged conversation.
Vomit
To eject part or all of the contents of the stomach through the mouth, usually in a series of involuntary spasmic movements.
Yak
Talk at length about trivial or boring subjects
She wondered what he was yakking about
Vomit
To be discharged forcefully and abundantly; spew or gush
The dike burst, and the floodwaters vomited forth.
Yak
A wild, shaggy-haired ox (Bos grunniens) of the mountains of central Asia.
Vomit
To eject (contents of the stomach) through the mouth.
Yak
A domesticated yak, used as a work animal or raised for meat and milk.
Vomit
To eject or discharge in a gush; spew out
The volcano vomited lava and ash.
Yak
Prolonged, sometimes senseless talk; chatter.
Vomit
The act or an instance of ejecting matter from the stomach through the mouth.
Yak
To talk persistently and meaninglessly; chatter.
Vomit
Matter ejected from the stomach through the mouth.
Yak
An ox-like mammal native to the Himalayas, Mongolia, Burma, and Tibet with dark, long, and silky hair, a horse-like tail, and a full, bushy mane.
Vomit
An emetic.
Yak
(slang) A talk, particular an informal talk; chattering; gossip.
Vomit
(intransitive) To regurgitate or eject the contents of the stomach through the mouth; puke.
Yak
(slang) A laugh.
Vomit
(transitive) To regurgitate and discharge (something swallowed); to spew.
Yak
(slang) Vomit.
Vomit
To eject from any hollow place; to belch forth; to emit.
Yak
(slang) A kayak.
Vomit
The regurgitated former contents of a stomach; vomitus.
Yak
To talk, particularly informally but persistently; to chatter or prattle.
Vomit
The act of regurgitating.
Yak
To vomit, usually as a result of excessive alcohol consumption.
Vomit
The act of vomiting
Yak
A bovine mammal (Poëphagus grunnies) native of the high plains of Central Asia. Its neck, the outer side of its legs, and its flanks, are covered with long, flowing, fine hair. Its tail is long and bushy, often white, and is valued as an ornament and for other purposes in India and China. There are several domesticated varieties, some of which lack the mane and the long hair on the flanks. Called also chauri gua, grunting cow, grunting ox, sarlac, sarlik, and sarluc.
Vomit
(obsolete) That which causes vomiting; an emetic.
Yak
Noisy talk
Vomit
To eject the contents of the stomach by the mouth; to puke; to spew.
Yak
Large long-haired wild ox of Tibet often domesticated
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
Common Curiosities
What triggers vomiting?
Vomiting is triggered by various factors, including illness, disgust, and sensory overload.
Are yaks used for purposes other than milk and transport?
Yes, yaks are also valued for their meat, wool, and as beasts of burden.
Is vomiting always related to stomach problems?
Not always; it can also be caused by brain injury, migraines, or emotional stress.
What does it mean when someone says they need to vomit?
It generally means they feel the urge to expel contents from their stomach.
How does one treat frequent vomiting?
Treatment can involve medication, hydration, and addressing the underlying cause.
What is the habitat of a yak?
Yaks are native to the mountainous regions of Central Asia.
Is yakking rude?
It can be considered rude if excessive and not considerate of the listener’s interest.
Can vomiting be psychologically induced?
Yes, anxiety and extreme stress can induce vomiting.
How is the term yak used in everyday language?
It’s often used to describe talking at length about less important subjects.
Are there different types of yaks?
Yes, there are several breeds, including domestic and wild yaks.
Can yakking be considered a social skill?
Yes, being able to engage in casual conversation (yakking) can be seen as a social skill.
What are the physical effects of vomiting?
It can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and physical weakness.
Can anyone yak?
While anyone can engage in yakking, some may be naturally more inclined to it than others.
What distinguishes yakking from a normal conversation?
Yakking typically involves more trivial or repetitive content.
Is it possible to vomit involuntarily without feeling sick?
Yes, some people may vomit in response to extreme emotions or certain smells.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Hall vs. Room
Next Comparison
Visualised vs. VisualizedAuthor Spotlight
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.
Co-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.
