Language is a weird thing. Honestly, it’s fascinating how we’ve spent centuries coming up with creative ways to avoid saying one simple word. Menstruation. Even now, in a world where you can buy period underwear on a subscription and see "bleeding" mentioned in Super Bowl commercials, we’re still leaning on a massive library of euphemisms. We call it "the curse." We say "Aunt Flo" is visiting. We talk about "shark week."
Why?
It isn't just about being shy. The way we use other terms for menstruation says a lot about where we are as a society and how much baggage we’re still carrying from the Middle Ages. You’ve probably used at least three of these terms this month without even thinking about it.
The Cultural Weight of Period Euphemisms
Ever wonder where "The Curse" came from? It sounds dramatic, like something out of a gothic novel. It actually has deep roots in religious texts, specifically the idea in some interpretations of Genesis that menstruation was a punishment. That’s heavy. It’s not just a biological process; it’s a "curse" passed down through generations. People still use it today, though usually with a bit of an eye-roll.
Then there’s "Aunt Flo." This one feels like a 1950s sitcom. It’s polite. It’s domestic. It implies a guest who shows up uninvited, stays too long, and makes a mess of your schedule. It’s a way of personifying a hormonal shift so we don't have to talk about the actual biology.
Sociologist Sharra Vostral, who wrote Under Wraps: A History of Menstrual Hygiene Technology, has pointed out that these terms exist to maintain a "mask of normalcy." We use them to signal to other people that something is happening without making them—or us—uncomfortable. It’s a linguistic shield.
Visual and Historical Code Words
Some names are just literal. "Shark Week" is a personal favorite for many because it captures the visceral nature of the experience. It’s messy. It’s intense. It’s a bit of a biological feeding frenzy for your uterus. It’s a far cry from the delicate "monthly visitor" used by previous generations.
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The Red Sea and Other Liquid Metaphors
If you look at the Clue period tracking app’s massive 2016 survey of over 90,000 people across 190 countries, you’ll find that "the red sea" is a globally recognized term. In French, people might say "Les Anglais ont débarqué," which translates to "The English have landed." This dates back to the Napoleonic Wars and the red coats of the British soldiers.
Imagine that. You’re literally referencing a 19th-century military invasion to tell your friend why you need an ibuprofen.
Other common ones include:
- Checking into the Red Roof Inn: A more modern, Americanized version of the color-coding.
- Girl Time: Vague, slightly annoying, but very common in corporate or school environments.
- Moon Time: This one is interesting because it ties back to the lunar cycle, which is roughly the same length as the average menstrual cycle. Some Indigenous cultures view "Moon Time" as a period of sacred rest and power rather than something to be hidden.
The Problem With Using "Other Terms for Menstruation"
Here is the thing. While "shark week" is funny, some researchers argue that relying too heavily on euphemisms can actually be harmful. When we can't name a body part or a biological process, we create a vacuum where shame grows. Dr. Jen Gunter, an OB-GYN and author of The Vagina Bible, is very vocal about this. She argues that using the correct anatomical and medical terms—menstruation, period, blood, uterus—is a tool for empowerment.
If you go to a doctor and say "Aunt Flo is being mean," it’s less effective than saying "I have heavy menstrual bleeding and severe dysmenorrhea."
The Stigma Cycle
Using code words can subconsciously reinforce the idea that periods are "gross" or "secret." Think about it. We don't have 5,000 code words for a sneeze. We don't have a "secret name" for a nosebleed. By giving menstruation a fake name, we're basically agreeing that the real name is too much for people to handle.
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But, honestly, sometimes you just want to make a joke. There’s a bond in saying "I’m riding the crimson tide" to a friend. It’s shorthand. It’s community.
Global Variations That Might Surprise You
In Germany, you might hear "Erdbeerwoche," or "Strawberry Week." It sounds almost cute. In Puerto Rico, it might be "Ando con la regla," which is more direct—just "the rule." In some parts of Africa, people refer to it as "the moon," similar to the "moon time" mentioned earlier.
The sheer variety of these other terms for menstruation is a testament to human creativity. We are experts at talking around things. We use humor to mask pain. We use history to mask biology.
Transitioning From Code to Clarity
The tide is shifting. Younger generations—Gen Z and Gen Alpha—are much more likely to just say "I'm on my period" or "I'm bleeding." They’re less interested in the "mask of normalcy." This is reflected in the way products are marketed now. We've moved away from blue liquid in pad commercials (the weirdest choice ever, let's be real) to showing actual red liquid and real people experiencing real cramps.
This transparency is vital for medical health. When people feel comfortable using the word menstruation, they’re more likely to seek help for things like Endometriosis or PCOS. These are real conditions that often go undiagnosed for years because people are taught to suffer in "polite" silence.
Actionable Steps for Better Communication
Changing how we talk about our bodies doesn't happen overnight. It’s a habit. If you want to move away from euphemisms and toward a more straightforward approach, try these small shifts:
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1. Audit your own language. Notice which terms you use in different settings. Do you say "period" with your partner but "feeling under the weather" with your boss? Why? There’s no law saying you have to tell your boss the details, but noticing your own hesitation is the first step toward overcoming the stigma.
2. Use correct terminology with kids. If you’re a parent or educator, use the words menstruation, period, and uterus. When kids grow up hearing these words without a layer of shame or "secrecy," they develop a much healthier relationship with their own bodies. They won't feel like they're hiding a "curse."
3. Support brands that use plain language. Vote with your wallet. Support companies that don't treat menstruation like a dirty secret. When brands use the word "blood" instead of "moisture" or "leaks," they’re helping to normalize the conversation for everyone.
4. Be the "Direct" Friend. Sometimes, all it takes is one person in a group to start being direct for everyone else to feel comfortable. If a friend says they’re "feeling crappy," and you know why, asking "Are your period cramps hitting hard?" can be an opening for them to stop pretending.
5. Educate yourself on the "why." Knowing that "The Curse" is a theological holdover or that "The English have landed" is a military joke makes the terms feel less like rules and more like historical artifacts. You can choose to use them for fun, or you can choose to leave them in the past.
Language evolves because we do. While there will probably always be funny nicknames for menstruation, the goal is to make sure the nicknames are a choice, not a requirement born out of shame. Use the words that make you feel comfortable, but don't be afraid of the real ones. They’re just biology, after all. No more, no less.