What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
barf
Example
I felt so sick after eating that I had to barf. [barf: verb]
Example
The smell of the rotten food made me want to barf. [barfing: gerund or present participle]
vomit
Example
She couldn't stop vomiting after eating the spoiled food. [vomit: verb]
Example
The doctor diagnosed her with gastroenteritis, which caused frequent bouts of vomiting. [vomiting: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Vomit is more commonly used than barf in everyday language. Vomit is the preferred term in formal settings and medical discussions, while barf is more commonly used in informal or casual conversations.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between barf and vomit?
While barf is considered informal and colloquial, vomit is a more formal and appropriate term, especially in professional or academic contexts.
