10 Polite Ways to Say “Throw Up”

Are you looking for a proper way to say “throw up”? Maybe you’re trying to find a polite way to tell your boss you’re vomiting. After all, it will help to save you some embarrassment when you need to call in.

Here are some great synonyms to use:

  • Stomach issues
  • Not going to make it to work
  • Can’t come in today
  • Under the weather
  • Not feeling well
  • Feel unwell
  • Ill
  • Can’t make it to work
  • Losing my lunch
  • Bringing up dinner

Keep reading to learn more about the best synonyms for “throw up.” Then, you will have options when you next need to call or email to let your boss know you can’t make it to work.

1. Stomach Issues

“Stomach issues” is a nice way to say “throw up.” You can use it when calling your boss and telling them you can’t make it to work.

Generally, you do not have to specify any further than “stomach issues.” Your boss should also not ask you for more information (in most cases). So, it works well as a polite and professional phrase.

You may benefit from these examples to show you:

  • Sorry, sir. I have stomach issues, so I won’t be able to come to work today.
  • My stomach issues are making it difficult for me to function today. Can I take a rain check?

2. Not Going to Make It to Work

You can say “not going to make it to work” as a professional way to say “throwing up” (or say you have any type of illness). Basically, if you don’t think you can make it to work because you are ill, this phrase is polite and acceptable.

You will be able to use this one in most cases. Generally, your boss will not expect you to be more specific.

You can refer to these examples to help you with it:

  • I’m not going to make it to work today. After all, I’m afraid I can’t get myself out of bed right now!
  • I’m not going to make it to work. Unfortunately, I haven’t been this ill for a very long time.

3. Can’t Come In Today

“Can’t come in today” is another non-specific synonym that works well. You can use it when you are embarrassed and don’t want to say you are “throwing up.”

It’s a much politer and more professional phrase. Most bosses will happily accept it as a reason for you not being able to work.

You can check out these examples to help you with it:

  • I can’t come in today. Believe me, I’ve tried to make myself better, but nothing seems to be working.
  • Oh, Mr. Jones, I can’t come in today. This bug is still affecting me. I’ll let you know when I feel better.

4. Under the Weather

Try using “under the weather” as an idiomatic expression that can replace “throw up.” You can use it when you don’t feel well enough to work and need to call or email your boss to let them know.

Again, a good boss will not ask you to clarify what’s wrong with you. So, “under the weather” should do the trick when you need a few days off work.

You can also refer to the following examples to help you:

  • I’m a bit under the weather right now. So, can I take the day off to try and recover a bit more?
  • I’m under the weather. I don’t know when I’ll be able to come back to work, but I’ll keep you in the loop.

5. Not Feeling Well

You can say “not feeling well” since it’s a great alternative to “throwing up.” You can use it when you want to be non-specific about your illness. It’s still a polite way to tell your boss you can’t come to work for the day.

Here are a few examples to help you understand it:

  • I’m afraid I’m not feeling well and can’t make it to work today. Do you have anyone to cover for me?
  • I’m not feeling well, so I can’t come to work. I hope you don’t mind, but I really need the day off.

6. Feel Unwell

Generally, “feel unwell” is a medical way to say “throw up” without using the term or making someone uncomfortable. “Unwell” works well if you want to keep the phrase polite and professional.

We recommend using it when you are calling work to try and get the day off to recover.

You may want to refer to these examples to help you:

  • I feel unwell, so I’m not going to work. There’s no way I’d be able to make it in right now.
  • I feel unwell, and I won’t be able to work. I’ve tried to get better, but I still need a few days to recover.

7. Ill

It’s worth saying “ill” since it’s a simple but effective synonym.

You can use it instead of “throw up” when you need to tell your boss that you are not able to work. Generally, you do not need to clarify what is wrong with you when you say you are “ill.”

Why not refer to these examples to help you:

  • I’m too ill to come to work today, Mary. Do you mind finding someone to cover for me for the day?
  • I’m a bit ill, but I wouldn’t like to divulge more than that. Is it okay for someone to cover my shifts?

8. Can’t Make It to Work

“Can’t make it to work” is a simple excuse that works to replace “throw up” in most cases. It’s quite professional, so many bosses will accept it as a reason for you not going to work for the day.

Again, you do not have to be more specific. A good boss will allow you to have the day off without trying to pry.

You can also refer to these examples to help you:

  • Oh, I can’t make it to work at all today. I’ve been trying to get out of bed, but things just keep feeling worse.
  • I can’t make it to work. So, I need to take a few hours to recover. Do you mind if I stay at home?

9. Losing My Lunch

“Losing my lunch” is a funny synonym. You can use it when you are slightly closer to your boss or the person you called when you had to tell work you were sick.

Be careful, though. This phrase is quite jokey. So, some people might take it to show that you aren’t sick because you’re still making fun of your problem. That’s why you should only use it when you’re close to whoever picked up the phone.

These examples should also show you how to use it:

  • Well, since you asked, I’m losing my lunch right now. I don’t think it’s a good idea for me to come to work!
  • I’m losing my lunch, sir! I’ve tried to get out of bed, but I keep getting stuck over the toilet.

10. Bringing Up Dinner

“Bringing up dinner” is another funny alternative to “throw up.” You should only use it as a last resort when you’ve tried to explain all other reasons why you can’t work, but somebody isn’t listening to you.

You can also refer to the following examples to help you:

  • I’m afraid I’m bringing up dinner again! I certainly won’t make it to work until this clears up.
  • So, I can’t stop bringing up dinner. I’m afraid I’m going to have to take another few days off work.