29+ Other Ways to Say Throwing Up (100+ Examples)

There are so many times, when you need a gentle way to talk about being sick. Talking about this messy topic, can feel a bit awkward, or even gross. You might be looking for synonyms for throwing up, just to keep things polite, or calm. Knowing other ways to say throwing up, helps you sound kind, instead of blunt. This guide will show you, exactly how to describe a rough moment, without making everyone lose their lunch.

Polite Ways to Say Throwing Up

Got Sick

When you feel like things are going south, this phrase is a lifesaver. It is very soft, and it does not give away too much. If you are at work, or with your boss, this is a great synonym to keep in your pocket. It sounds professional, but still clearly shows that your body, is having a bad day. Nobody needs the gory details, so just keep it simple.

• He left the office early, because he got sick.
• She stayed home today, since she got sick.
• Everyone felt bad, after he got sick at the party.
• Please excuse him, as he got sick in the hallway.

Lost His Lunch

This is a bit funny, and it takes the edge off a bad situation. Use this when you are with close friends, who know you well. It is a light way to say it, without being too gross. People will get what you mean, right away, and they will likely feel bad for you, instead of just feeling weird. It is a classic for a reason.

• After the roller coaster, he lost his lunch.
• It was a bumpy boat ride, and she lost his lunch.
• He felt better, once he finally lost his lunch.
• Poor guy, he lost his lunch in the parking lot.

Had a Bad Reaction

Sometimes, the cause of the issue is food, or medicine. This phrase works well, because it hints at a reason, rather than just the act. Use this if you want to sound a bit more serious, or even medical. It is a helpful way to explain why you are not eating, or why you need to go home, without making a scene.

• The spicy tacos, caused him to have a bad reaction.
• She had a bad reaction, to the medicine she took.
• Because she had a bad reaction, she skipped dinner.
• He realized he had a bad reaction, to the shellfish.

Was Under the Weather

This is the ultimate, vague way to say you are not feeling great. It could mean a cold, or it could mean something much worse. If you do not want to say you were throwing up, just use this. It keeps your business private, and it saves everyone from having to hear the messy details. It is always a safe, and smart choice.

• She was under the weather, so she missed the show.
• He was under the weather, after eating that old pie.
• Since he was under the weather, he took a nap.
• They knew she was under the weather, so they helped.

Had an Upset Stomach

This is very common, and most people will know exactly what it means. It sounds a bit more controlled, than saying you were sick. Use this when you are with family, or people you are comfortable with. It is a clear way to describe a moment, without being too graphic. It is basically the go-to phrase for most people.

• He had an upset stomach, all through the long drive.
• She could not finish, because she had an upset stomach.
• After the big meal, he had an upset stomach.
• It happens, when you have an upset stomach like that.

Needed a Break

Sometimes, the best way to say it, is to not say it at all. If you are in the middle of a talk, just say you need a break. People will get the point, that you are not feeling well. It is very polite, and it keeps things quiet. You do not have to explain your bodily functions, to anyone at all, really.

• She left early, because she needed a break.
• He stepped out, as he needed a break.
• Because he needed a break, the meeting stopped.
• Everyone understood, when she said she needed a break.

Had to Dash

This is a fast way to get out of a room. If you are about to be sick, you do not have time for long words. Just say you have to dash, and move quickly. It is a bit mysterious, and it keeps your dignity, while you run to the bathroom. Nobody will ask questions, if you look like you are in a rush.

• He said he had to dash, and ran out.
• She had to dash, right in the middle of dinner.
• Because she had to dash, she left her coat.
• He had to dash, to get to the sink.

Wasn’t Feeling Great

This is a very gentle, and soft way to describe how you feel. It is perfect for when you are talking to someone, who is worried about you. It sounds like you are being honest, but you are not being overly dramatic. It is a nice way to say you are ill, without scaring anyone with a big word.

• He wasn’t feeling great, after the long flight.
• She wasn’t feeling great, so she stayed in bed.
• Since she wasn’t feeling great, we went home.
• He admitted he wasn’t feeling great, before the show.

Had a Rough Patch

Use this if you are talking about a longer period of time, where you were sick. It sounds like a difficult time, which it usually is. It is a good way to explain why you were gone for a while. It lets people know you had a hard time, without needing to hear the gross parts.

• He had a rough patch, with the flu last week.
• She had a rough patch, and missed the big game.
• Because he had a rough patch, he looked tired.
• It was clear, she had a rough patch today.

Was Feeling Poorly

This sounds a bit old-fashioned, but it is very kind. Use this when you want to be polite, and a bit formal. It works well with older people, or in a quiet setting. It is a nice way to say you are struggling, without making anyone uncomfortable. It is a soft, and sweet way to be honest.

• She was feeling poorly, so she went to rest.
• He was feeling poorly, after the walk outside.
• Since he was feeling poorly, he skipped the party.
• It is sad, that she was feeling poorly today.

Casual Ways to Say Throwing Up

Lost It

This is very casual, and short. Use this with your best friends, or people you hang out with all the time. It is direct, but it is not meant to be mean. It is just a quick way to say what happened. It is the kind of thing you would say, while laughing about a bad night later on.

• He totally lost it, after the hot wings.
• She lost it, right on the sidewalk.
• It was a mess, when he lost it.
• Because he lost it, he had to change clothes.

Tossed His Cookies

This is a funny, and lighthearted way to put it. It makes a bad situation, feel a little bit more silly. You might say this to make a friend laugh, or to lighten the mood after a bad time. It is not meant to be taken seriously, which is why it works so well for close friends.

• He felt bad, and then tossed his cookies.
• She tossed his cookies, behind the big tree.
• After the carnival, he tossed his cookies.
• It was funny, how he tossed his cookies.

Puked

This is a very blunt, and short word for it. Only use this with people you know very well, or when you are being very real. It is not a polite word, so be careful where you say it. It gets the point across instantly, with no mystery at all. It is definitely for casual settings only.

• He was so sick, he just puked.
• She felt like she might have puked.
• Because he puked, he had to leave.
• He puked, and then felt much better.

Barfed

This word is also quite blunt, and maybe a little bit gross. It is a good, short word for when you are being very honest about being sick. Like with other informal words, keep it for friends and family. It sounds very plain, and it does not try to be fancy or polite at all.

• He barfed, all over the new rug.
• She almost barfed, during the boat ride.
• Because she barfed, the room smelled bad.
• He barfed, and then went to sleep.

Spewed

This word is a bit more dramatic. It sounds like something is coming out, with a lot of force. Use this if you want to be funny, and descriptive. It is not something you would say to your boss, unless you have a very strange boss. It is a fun, and punchy way to talk about it.

• He spewed, after eating that bad fish.
• She spewed, right in the middle of the street.
• It was a lot, when he spewed.
• Because he spewed, the party ended early.

Hacked Up

This usually implies that you are coughing, and getting sick at the same time. It sounds like a very messy, and loud experience. Use this when you are complaining, about how bad you felt. It is a great way to describe, just how difficult your day was, to a close friend.

• He hacked up, after that bad cough.
• She hacked up, while trying to breathe.
• It was tough, when he hacked up.
• Because he hacked up, he felt sore.

Upchucked

This is a funny, and old-school way to say you were sick. It sounds like a word from a cartoon, which makes it less scary. It is a good way to talk about it, if you want to keep the mood light. Most people will smile, when they hear this word, because it sounds silly.

• He upchucked, after the spinning ride.
• She upchucked, near the front door.
• It was loud, when he upchucked.
• Because he upchucked, he had to wash up.

Retched

This is a very physical, and hard word to say. It describes the sound, and the feeling, of being sick. Use this when you want to be very real, or even a bit intense. It is not a fun word, but it describes the event, very well, and very clearly.

• He retched, but nothing came out.
• She retched, because of the bad smell.
• It was painful, as he retched.
• Because he retched, his throat was sore.

Graphic Ways to Say Throwing Up

Painted the Town

This is a very colorful, and gross way to describe it. It implies that the sickness, went all over the place. Use this only when you are being very dramatic, and joking with friends, who do not mind hearing gross things. It is very visual, and definitely not for polite company at all.

• He painted the town, after the wild party.
• She painted the town, right in her room.
• It was a disaster, when he painted the town.
• Because he painted the town, he had to clean.

Brought It Up

This is a calmer way to say it, but it still sounds very graphic. It is a direct description, of what your body is doing. It works well, if you are being very serious, or even clinical. It is not a slang word, but it is not a polite word either. It is just the truth.

• He brought it up, without any warning.
• She brought it up, into the sink.
• Because he brought it up, he felt relief.
• He brought it up, and then sat down.

Techincally Reversed

This sounds like a joke, from a science show or a movie. It is a funny way to talk about being sick. Use this if you want to sound smart, and silly at the same time. It is a great way to make someone laugh, while talking about a really bad moment.

• He was technically reversed, after the sour milk.
• She said she was technically reversed.
• It was funny, being technically reversed.
• Because he was technically reversed, he took a nap.

Deposited My Meal

This sounds very fancy, and ironic. It makes the act of being sick, sound like you are putting something somewhere. It is a very funny way to say it, if you want to be a bit sarcastic. Use this when you are with friends, who enjoy a bit of dark humor.

• He deposited my meal, in the garden.
• She deposited my meal, very quickly.
• It was odd, how he deposited my meal.
• Because he deposited my meal, he was hungry.

Expelled the Contents

This sounds like you are a robot, or a doctor. It is very dry, and very formal. Use this if you want to be extremely serious, and weirdly detached. It is a funny way to talk about it, because it is so stiff and formal, compared to what is happening.

• He expelled the contents, of his stomach.
• She expelled the contents, and felt better.
• It was quick, as he expelled the contents.
• Because he expelled the contents, he was tired.

Heaved

This is a very short, and powerful word. It describes the motion, of your body. It is not a nice word, but it is very accurate. Use this if you are trying to be dramatic, or descriptive, in a story. It is a strong word, that everyone will understand, right away.

• He heaved, and then fell back.
• She heaved, until she was done.
• It was heavy, when he heaved.
• Because he heaved, his face was red.

Gacked

This is a very informal, and slang word. It sounds like the sound, that you make. Use this only with friends, who are okay with gross talk. It is a very punchy, and aggressive word. It is not something you would use, if you are trying to be polite or kind.

• He gacked, and ran away.
• She gacked, because of the smell.
• It was gross, when he gacked.
• Because he gacked, he missed the food.

Purged

This word sounds very intense, and serious. It implies that you are getting rid of something, that is bad. It can sound a bit scary, so be careful when you use it. It is not a casual word, and it might make people worry about you. Use it with care, and thought.

• He purged, and felt much lighter.
• She purged, after the long sickness.
• It was a relief, when he purged.
• Because he purged, he had to drink water.

Regurgitated

This is a very scientific, and clinical word. It is what a doctor would say. It sounds very cold, and detached. Use this if you want to be funny, by being way too formal, or if you are talking about biology. It is a very precise word, but it is not warm at all.

• He regurgitated, after the bad sushi.
• She regurgitated, in the trash can.
• It was messy, when he regurgitated.
• Because he regurgitated, he went home.

Creative Ways to Say Throwing Up

Called a Friend

This is a very common, and funny way to say you are at the toilet. It makes it sound like you are having a chat, with someone. It is a light way to hide what is happening. Use this, when you want to avoid being graphic, but still want to be funny.

• He called a friend, for a long time.
• She called a friend, and missed the show.
• It was long, when he called a friend.
• Because he called a friend, he was late.

Fed the Porcelain God

This is a very classic, and silly way to say it. It makes the toilet, seem like a big deal. It is a very funny phrase, that everyone knows. Use this to make people laugh, if they know you were sick. It is a great way to turn a bad moment, into a joke.

• He fed the porcelain god, all night.
• She fed the porcelain god, after the party.
• It was sad, to feed the porcelain god.
• Because he fed the porcelain god, he was tired.

Let It Out

This is a very gentle, and simple way to say you are sick. It makes it sound like a relief, which it often is. It is a soft way to describe it, without using any gross words. Use this when you are talking to someone, who is kind and gentle.

• He let it out, and felt better.
• She let it out, in the bathroom.
• It was easy, when she let it out.
• Because he let it out, the pain stopped.

Ripped the Rainbow

This is a very weird, and colorful way to say it. It makes no sense, which is why it is funny. Use this if you want to confuse people, or make them laugh. It is definitely not a common term, but it is a fun, and strange way to talk about being sick.

• He ripped the rainbow, by the door.
• She ripped the rainbow, and laughed.
• It was bizarre, when he ripped the rainbow.
• Because he ripped the rainbow, we left.

Had a Moment

This is a very vague, and kind way to talk about being sick. It sounds like something deep, and personal. Use this if you want to be mysterious, or if you do not want to talk about the details. It is a very polite, and soft way to handle a gross topic.

• He had a moment, and came back.
• She had a moment, in the hall.
• It was fine, that he had a moment.
• Because he had a moment, he rested.

Visit to the Throne

This is another funny way to talk about the toilet. It sounds like you are going, to a very important place. It is a light, and silly way to describe the experience. Use this with friends, who enjoy a bit of wordplay, and do not mind the gross subject.

• He paid a visit to the throne.
• She made a visit to the throne.
• It was quick, for a visit to the throne.
• Because of his visit to the throne, he was pale.

Polite Ways to Say Throwing Up

Not Feeling Well

This is the most common, and safe way to say you are sick. You can use it in any setting, and nobody will be offended. It is a very polite, and professional way to say you are having a hard time. It is always a good choice, when you want to be discreet.

• He is not feeling well, today.
• She said she is not feeling well.
• Because she is not feeling well, she stayed home.
• It is clear, he is not feeling well.

Having a Hard Time

This is a very soft, and kind way to say you are struggling. It could mean anything, which is great. It keeps your business to yourself, while still letting people know, that you need some space. It is a very gentle way to describe a rough day, or moment.

• He is having a hard time, with his health.
• She is having a hard time, right now.
• Because he is having a hard time, we helped.
• It is obvious, she is having a hard time.

Needs a Minute

This is a very respectful way to ask for space. It does not say why, but it is very clear, that you need to be alone. It is a great way to handle it, if you are about to be sick, and you want to be left alone, for a bit.

• He needs a minute, to himself.
• She needs a minute, after the meal.
• Because she needs a minute, let her go.
• He said he needs a minute, in the room.

Taking a Break

This is a very simple, and honest way to say you are stopping. It is not gross, and it is not dramatic. It is just a plain, and easy way to explain, that you are not participating right now. It works for anything, from being sick, to just being tired.

• He is taking a break, in the bathroom.
• She is taking a break, from the party.
• Because he is taking a break, wait for him.
• She is taking a break, for a while.

Not Up to It

This is a very polite way to say you cannot do something. It implies that you are not feeling well, without saying the words. It is a great way to be honest, and polite at the same time. People will understand, and they will usually be very kind about it.

• He is not up to it, today.
• She is not up to it, after that trip.
• Because he is not up to it, we canceled.
• She is not up to it, so let her rest.

Feeling a Bit Off

This is a very casual, and light way to say you are not okay. It sounds like you are just slightly, not yourself. It is a great way to downplay, a bad situation, so that you do not worry others. It is very soft, and easy to say, in any normal talk.

• He is feeling a bit off, this morning.
• She is feeling a bit off, after eating.
• Because he is feeling a bit off, he sat down.
• She is feeling a bit off, so she took a nap.

Tips for Picking the Right Phrase

Picking the best words, makes a big difference, when you are talking to someone about being sick. You should always think, about where you are, and who is listening, so you can pick the right tone.

Know Your Audience

Think about if you are talking to your boss, or your best friend. A funny joke works with friends, but it will fall flat, at a work meeting. Always try to match your words, to the person in front of you.

Match the Setting

Formal places need formal words, while a messy kitchen, is fine for a joke. If you are in a quiet office, keep your words soft, and short. Do not make a scene, when you can just be quiet, and polite.

Keep It Simple

Short words are usually better, than trying to be fancy. If you are feeling really bad, you do not have time, for a long story. Just say you are sick, and go take care of yourself, as soon as you can.

Use Body Language

Sometimes, a pained look, says more than words ever could. If you are in a lot of pain, you do not need to explain it. People will see it, and they will likely understand, that you need to go away.

Watch the Detail

Some people love gross stories, but most people, really do not. Keep the messy details to yourself, unless you are sure, that your friend is okay with it. It is better to be a bit boring, than to be totally gross.

Always be kind to yourself, when you are sick, and pick words that make you feel, at least a little bit better.

Summary of Alternate Ways

Final Thoughts

I hope this list helps you find the right way, to talk about being sick. Finding other ways to say throwing up, is useful for keeping things kind. Even when you are feeling bad, you can still choose words that work well. Just pick what feels right, for the person and the place, you are in today.