The word "chunder" is a slang term that refers to vomiting. Its spelling may seem a little confusing, but it actually makes perfect sense when you break it down using IPA phonetic transcription. The "ch" at the beginning of the word is pronounced like the "ch" in "cherry," while the "u" is pronounced like the "uh" in "butter." The next syllable, "nd," sounds like the word "end," and the final "er" is pronounced like the "er" in "butter." So, put it all together and you get "chuhnd-er."
Chunder is a slang term that originated in Australian and British English, primarily used in informal settings. It refers to the act of vomiting or regurgitating forcefully, often associated with excessive drinking or experiencing motion sickness. The term is commonly used to describe the physical act of throwing up or being nauseated to the point of needing to vomit.
The word "chunder" is believed to have emerged in the early 1960s, deriving from the Australian slang phrase "watch under." This phrase was commonly heard on cruise ships, where passengers would yell out this warning to others before vomitting overboard. Over time, "watch under" transformed into "chunder," becoming a standalone term associated with spewing out food or liquids from the stomach.
The use of "chunder" often implies a state of extreme discomfort, covering a range of unpleasant sensations related to nausea, sickness, and the reflexive action of throwing up. It is frequently employed in humorous contexts or anecdotes, often recounting incidents where someone got sick in an amusing or embarrassing way. Due to its informal nature, it may not be suitable for formal language use or in professional settings, where more neutral synonyms for vomiting are preferred.
Overall, "chunder" is a slang term used to describe the act of vomiting, typically arising from excessive alcohol consumption or motion sickness, and is primarily found in Australian and British English.
The word "chunder" is derived from the Hindi word "चण्डाल" (chandāl), which means a person belonging to a low social caste or an outcast. This term was brought to the English language during the British colonial period in India. However, over time, its meaning and usage have evolved.
In the 19th century, "chunder" began to be used as a slang term among British sailors to refer to seasickness or vomiting, particularly while on board ships. This usage spread and became more common in naval and seafaring contexts.
The exact reasons for the transformation of the Hindi word's meaning to denote throwing up or being sick are not entirely clear. One possibility is that the connection between the discomfort of seasickness and the social outcast status implied by "chandāl" led to the association of the term with vomiting.