The expression "turning stomach" refers to a feeling of nausea or sickness. Its spelling can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). "Turning" is pronounced [ˈtɜːnɪŋ], with stress on the first syllable and the vowel sound in "her" (represented by ɜː). "Stomach" is pronounced [ˈstʌmək], with stress on the first syllable and the vowel sound in "but" (represented by ʌ). Together, the phrase is pronounced [ˈtɜːnɪŋ ˈstʌmək], with emphasis on the feeling of discomfort in the stomach.
Turning stomach is an idiomatic expression that refers to a feeling of extreme disgust, repulsion, or revulsion. This sensation is typically experienced when encountering something that is highly disturbing, nauseating, or abhorrent.
The term "turning stomach" originated from the physical manifestation of disgust in the human body. When confronted with something repugnant, the stomach may churn or twist, causing discomfort and an urge to vomit. This visceral reaction symbolizes the intense emotional response associated with the phrase.
The phrase is commonly used to describe the feeling one gets when exposed to repulsive sights, foul odors, or disturbing behaviours. It evokes a sensation that is not only physical but also deeply unpleasant at an emotional level. For instance, witnessing acts of cruelty, encountering rotting and decomposing matter, or even being in the presence of someone with extremely bad hygiene can induce a turning stomach feeling.
The turning stomach is often associated with a wide range of bodily reactions such as increased heart rate, sweating, and an instinctive need to distance oneself from the source of discomfort. Moreover, this expression highlights the strong aversion felt by an individual towards stimuli that contradict their moral, ethical, or aesthetic principles.
In summary, turning stomach refers to a profound sense of revulsion that can be triggered by encountering repugnant, nauseating, or highly offensive stimuli. It encapsulates the physical discomfort and emotional repulsion experienced when faced with something deeply unpleasant.
The term "turning stomach" is a phrase that describes a feeling of nausea or disgust. It does not have a specific etymology as it is a figurative expression rather than a specific word. However, the word "turning" in this context likely comes from the sense of something spinning or rotating, creating a sense of queasiness. The word "stomach" refers to the organ in the body responsible for digestion, and when it "turns", it conveys a feeling of discomfort or illness.