Puke vs. Vomit — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 4, 2024
Puke and vomit both refer to the expulsion of stomach contents through the mouth, but "puke" is more informal and colloquial, whereas "vomit" is the formal medical term.
Difference Between Puke and Vomit
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Puke is commonly used in everyday language and carries a casual tone, emphasizing its prevalence in informal contexts. Whereas, vomit is preferred in medical or more formal situations, highlighting its usage in healthcare environments.
The term puke often appears in social and conversational settings, suggesting a less serious connotation. On the other hand, vomit is used in clinical or scientific discussions, indicating a more serious or clinical context.
Puke can be seen as slightly more graphic or vulgar, which makes it less likely to be used in polite or professional discourse. In contrast, vomit, being a clinical term, is suitable for use in medical advice or documentation.
When discussing symptoms with healthcare professionals, individuals are more likely to use the term vomit to describe their condition accurately. Conversely, puke might be used more frequently in casual storytelling or among friends.
In literature or media, puke is often used to add a raw or humorous element to narratives, enhancing the emotional or dramatic impact. Vomit, however, is typically used to convey a more serious or distressing scenario, often related to medical conditions or treatments.
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Comparison Chart
Formality
Informal
Formal
Usage Context
Casual, everyday language
Medical, professional
Connotation
Less serious, often vulgar
Clinical, serious
Preferred by
General public
Healthcare professionals
Common in
Conversational settings
Medical discussions
Compare with Definitions
Puke
Slang for expressing rejection or disdain.
I puke at the idea of eating there again.
Vomit
Used to describe a strong aversion.
He vomits at the idea of corruption.
Puke
An act of vomiting informally.
There was puke all over the floor after the party.
Vomit
To eject matter from the stomach through the mouth.
She vomited several times due to food poisoning.
Puke
Informal reference to something very unpleasant.
They thought the movie was puke.
Vomit
The involuntary, forceful expulsion of the contents of one's stomach through the mouth.
The patient was vomiting all night.
Puke
To react with extreme disgust.
She puked at the sight of the spoiled food.
Vomit
Can be used metaphorically to describe profuse expulsion.
The volcano vomited lava and ash.
Puke
To expel the contents of the stomach through the mouth.
He felt so nauseous that he puked.
Vomit
A medical term describing the act of vomiting.
Vomit can be a symptom of many diseases.
Puke
Vomit
He puked up his pizza
Wild with shame at puking up like a baby
Vomit
Eject matter from the stomach through the mouth
She used to vomit up her food
The sickly stench made him want to vomit
Puke
Vomit.
Vomit
Matter vomited from the stomach
The cell stank of vomit and urine
Puke
To vomit.
Vomit
An emetic.
Puke
The act of vomiting.
Vomit
To eject part or all of the contents of the stomach through the mouth, usually in a series of involuntary spasmic movements.
Puke
Vomit.
Vomit
To be discharged forcefully and abundantly; spew or gush
The dike burst, and the floodwaters vomited forth.
Puke
One regarded as disgusting or contemptible.
Vomit
To eject (contents of the stomach) through the mouth.
Puke
Vomit.
Vomit
To eject or discharge in a gush; spew out
The volcano vomited lava and ash.
Puke
A drug that induces vomiting.
Vomit
The act or an instance of ejecting matter from the stomach through the mouth.
Puke
A worthless, despicable person.
Vomit
Matter ejected from the stomach through the mouth.
Puke
A person from Missouri.
Vomit
An emetic.
Puke
A fine grade of woolen cloth.
Vomit
(intransitive) To regurgitate or eject the contents of the stomach through the mouth; puke.
Puke
A very dark, dull, brownish-red color.
Vomit
(transitive) To regurgitate and discharge (something swallowed); to spew.
Puke
To vomit; to throw up; to eject from the stomach.
Vomit
To eject from any hollow place; to belch forth; to emit.
Puke
To sell securities or investments at a loss, often under duress or pressure, in order to satisfy liquidity or margin requirements, or out of a desire to exit a deteriorating market.
Vomit
The regurgitated former contents of a stomach; vomitus.
Puke
To eject the contests of the stomach; to vomit; to spew.
The infantMewling and puking in the nurse's arms.
Vomit
The act of regurgitating.
Puke
To eject from the stomach; to vomit up.
Vomit
The act of vomiting
Puke
A medicine that causes vomiting; an emetic; a vomit.
Vomit
(obsolete) That which causes vomiting; an emetic.
Puke
Of a color supposed to be between black and russet.
Vomit
To eject the contents of the stomach by the mouth; to puke; to spew.
Puke
A person who is deemed to be despicable or contemptible;
Only a rotter would do that
Kill the rat
Throw the bum out
You cowardly little pukes!
The British call a contemptible person a `git'
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.
Puke
The matter ejected in vomiting
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.
Puke
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
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
Is 'vomit' always related to illness?
While 'vomit' is commonly associated with illness, it can also occur due to other reasons like motion sickness or excessive eating.
Does the term 'vomit' have any synonyms in medical terminology?
In medical contexts, synonyms like 'emesis' are also used to describe the act of vomiting.
What makes 'puke' more informal than 'vomit'?
'Puke' is considered more informal due to its colloquial use and casual contexts, unlike the medically preferred term 'vomit'.
Are there any idiomatic expressions using 'puke'?
Yes, phrases like "puke one’s guts out" are idiomatic, emphasizing a severe or forceful vomiting.
Do medical professionals use 'puke' in documentation?
Medical professionals typically use 'vomit' in documentation to maintain clinical accuracy and professionalism.
Can 'puke' be used in professional writing?
'Puke' is generally avoided in professional or formal writing due to its informal nature and might be replaced with 'vomit' or 'regurgitate'.
What are the origins of the word 'puke'?
'Puke' originally appears in English in the late 16th century, believed to be of imitative origin, resembling the sound of vomiting.
How do children typically refer to vomiting?
Children are more likely to use simpler or informal terms like 'puke' or 'throw up' rather than 'vomit'.
Is 'vomit' derived from Latin?
Yes, 'vomit' is derived from the Latin word 'vomere', meaning to discharge or expel from the stomach.
How do television and movies typically handle these terms?
TV and movies may use 'puke' for comedic or casual effect, while 'vomit' might be used in more serious or dramatic scenes.
What is the impact of using 'puke' in literature?
In literature, using 'puke' can convey a more visceral, raw emotion or reaction, often fitting informal or expressive narratives.
How does the audience react differently to 'puke' versus 'vomit'?
Audiences may find 'puke' more humorous or less serious, whereas 'vomit' might elicit a more empathetic or concerned reaction.
What advice would you give to someone learning English about these terms?
It's important to understand the context in which each term is appropriate—'puke' for informal settings and 'vomit' for formal or medical situations.
Which term is more likely to be used in educational materials about health?
'Vomit' is more likely to be used in educational materials to ensure clarity and maintain a professional tone in health education contexts.
Are there cultural differences in the preference for these terms?
Cultural differences can influence whether people prefer 'puke' or 'vomit', with some languages or cultures having different levels of formality in health-related contexts.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
