What does “Honking” mean?
The slang phrase "Honking" means 'vomiting or being violently sick,' often as a result of consuming excessive amounts of alcohol. When someone says they are "honking", they are expressing that they are experiencing severe nausea and vomiting, typically due to heavy drinking.
How is the expression used in real life?
Example
After drinking too much at the party, he ended up honking in the bathroom.
Example
She felt honking all night after eating something bad.
Example
He had a terrible hangover and couldn't stop honking.
What context can I use each expression in?
- 1Describing excessive alcohol consumption
After drinking too much at the party, he ended up honking in the bathroom.
She felt honking all night after eating something bad.
- 2Expressing the aftermath of excessive drinking
He had a terrible hangover and couldn't stop honking.
She woke up the next morning and started honking in the toilet.
- 3Discussing symptoms of illness or discomfort
He felt nauseous and knew he was going to start honking soon.
She couldn't keep any food down and kept honking throughout the day.
Good things to know:
What is the origin of the phrase?
The origin of the phrase "honking" as a slang term for vomiting is unclear. It is commonly used in the United Kingdom and has likely emerged from British English slang.
Can the phrase be used on its own?
The phrase "honking" is typically used in a sentence to describe someone vomiting. It is not commonly used on its own without supporting words.
Is the phrase offensive?
The phrase "honking" is not offensive in itself. However, it is a slang term that refers to vomiting or being violently sick, which some people may find unpleasant or distasteful.
Audience for the phrase
The phrase "honking" is commonly used in the United Kingdom and is more likely to be understood by people familiar with British English slang. It is often used in informal or casual settings, particularly among friends or peers.
Is the phrase specific to an accent or country?
The phrase "honking" is primarily used in the United Kingdom and is associated with British English slang. It may not be as widely recognized or understood in other English-speaking regions.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- vomiting
- barfing
- upchucking
- throwing up
- puking
Antonyms
- not vomiting
- not sick
- not throwing up
- not barfing
- not puking
