gaau2 coeng4 saa1絞腸痧绞肠痧

Jyutpinggaau2 coeng4 saa1

Yalegáau chèuhng sā

Definition

Acute abdominal pain, often historically associated with cholera.

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How it's used

Originally referring to a specific, severe gastrointestinal illness, this term is now frequently used as a hyperbolic expression for any intense, cramping abdominal pain. It carries a sense of urgency and extreme discomfort that goes beyond a simple stomach ache. It is often used by older generations to describe the feeling of being doubled over in pain.

Examples

keoi5佢tou5肚tung3痛dou3到hou2好ci5似gaau2絞coeng4腸saa1痧gam3咁，zik1即hak1刻jap6入zo2咗ji1醫jyun2院。

His stomach pain was so severe it felt like cholera, so he went to the hospital immediately.

nei5你hai6係mai6咪sik6食co3錯je5嘢aa4呀？tung3痛dou3到hou2好ci5似gaau2絞coeng4腸saa1痧gam3咁。

Did you eat something wrong? You are in so much pain it is like cholera.

Common phrases

tung3痛dou3到gaau2絞coeng4腸saa1痧

painful as cholera

Common mistake

Do not use this to describe mild indigestion or minor discomfort, as it implies a life-threatening or debilitating level of pain. It is a dramatic term that should be reserved for situations where someone is visibly suffering.