break wind
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Puzzle #224 · January 11, 2026
To break wind is to pass gas or fart.
This euphemism for farting dates to as early as the 1500's. The Old English term bræc, or brake, meant to vomit, and may be from the Old English term for phlegm. In modern Dutch, braken means to vomit. So if you are breaking wind, you could say you are vomiting gas.
If you break wind in front of people it is usually considered impolite. But the reality is, everyone has to fart. Here a doctor explains what your farts say about your health.
This euphemism for farting dates to as early as the 1500's. The Old English term bræc, or brake, meant to vomit, and may be from the Old English term for phlegm. In modern Dutch, braken means to vomit. So if you are breaking wind, you could say you are vomiting gas.
If you break wind in front of people it is usually considered impolite. But the reality is, everyone has to fart. Here a doctor explains what your farts say about your health.
Puzzle Appearances
The expression break wind has appeared in 1 puzzle:
- Puzzle #224 on January 11, 2026
Rate of Appearance in English Language Print
Google's Ngram project shows how often a pair of words has appeared in print every year since the 1800's.
Data from Google Books Ngram Viewer. Licensed under CC BY 3.0.
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