Part of Speech

Noun (informal)

Pronunciation

/ˈbroʊ.kən wɪnd/

Definitions

• An informal term referring to the expulsion of gas from the digestive system, also known as flatulence or passing gas.
• In a figurative sense, refers to an embarrassing or awkward situation often caused by an unintended noise or action in social settings.

Usage Examples

• He tried to hold it in, but a broken wind escaped at the most inappropriate moment.
• The broken wind was heard in the quiet room, causing an awkward silence.
• It was a moment of broken wind that lightened the tension during the serious meeting.

Etymology

The term "broken wind" is an informal phrase, combining "broken" (meaning disrupted or interrupted) with "wind," which has long been a euphemism for the expulsion of gas from the body. It likely gained usage as a humorous or less direct way to describe flatulence.

Synonyms

• Flatulence
• Passing gas
• Breaking wind
• Farting
• Windy

Antonyms

• Silence
• Stillness
• Quiet

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

While the phrase "broken wind" is used informally, regional pronunciations may vary, especially in slang or casual settings. In some areas, variations like "breaking wind" or "passing wind" may be more commonly used, with regional dialects affecting the pronunciation of "wind" (e.g., [wɪnd] vs. [wɪndʒ] in some accents).

Historical Usage

The phrase "breaking wind" has been used in the English language for centuries to describe the expulsion of gas from the body. The term "broken wind" itself is a variation of this expression, emerging more prominently in casual conversation in the 20th century as a humorous euphemism. Historically, terms for bodily functions like flatulence have been tabooed, leading to the use of euphemisms such as "wind" or "air" in polite society.

Cultural Nuances

The term "broken wind" carries different connotations across cultures. In Western cultures, it's often used humorously or embarrassingly, while in some Asian cultures, the act of passing gas may be treated with more tolerance or even humor. In other cultures, it may be a subject of shame or a sign of poor health, depending on social norms and taboos surrounding bodily functions.

More Information

Flatulence, often humorously referred to as "breaking wind" or "passing gas," has been a part of human life for as long as we can remember. It's a natural process where the body expels excess air or gas from the digestive system, usually after the digestion of food. Though it can be embarrassing, especially in public settings, it's a universally recognized bodily function. "Broken wind" or "breaking wind" is one of many euphemisms used to address this everyday occurrence with humor, often serving to relieve the discomfort of its natural but socially awkward nature.