A few years ago, we wrote15 funny (& unusual!) alternatives for saying "I've got my period!", sharing just a few of the 5,000+ euphemisms there are to say period. And while times are changing and periods are becoming a less taboo topic, it can still feel overwhelming to say the word “period”, especially if you’re a young teenager experiencing it for the first time! So, here are 10 more ways to mention your period.
1. “Menses”
How much more Australian can you get then by just shortening the normal term? Menses is short for “menstruation” and is a cute substitute to use in place of the word period or menstruation. Try “I’ve got my menses” next time!
2. Emojis
This one may still be niche, and can only be used over text, but emojis have already started being used by teens to indicate when they get their first period. Consider it a form of code that has already been pre-discussed, emojis are a great way to quickly inform others without having to say much. This makes the topic a little easier to handle for younger people and keeps us parents from having to fear if our children will get their first period every time they’re away from us!
Here are some of the generic period-related emojis to use: 🩸💥🚨⏰‼️
Or, if you want something more subtle, try: 🥀🍓🥫🫗🍷
All that needs to happen is the predetermined emoji is sent when a period has arrived and everyone is in the loop!
3. Something foreign
Period euphemisms aren’t exclusive to the English language, so perhaps try other languages' words or use their translations. Here are some of our favourites fromClue’s Period Euphemism Article:
Erdbeerwoche (German). Translates to “Strawberry week” (see the strawberry emoji from above!)
VHS - vaginalement hors service (French). Translates to VOO - “Vaginally Out of Order”
Ho le inondazioni (Italian). Translates to “I have a flood”
4. Take from global traditions
Keeping to the global theme, you could learn about different period traditions and use them as a euphemism. For example, you could say “I need a ceremonial bath”, which comes from the Mexican first-period tradition of prayer and herb-filled baths. To learn more global traditions and find other euphemisms to use,click here to read about more fascinating first period traditions around the world.
5. Honour the monthly cycle.
Instead of saying “I have my period” try:
“My monthly visitor has arrived.”
“It’s that time again.”
“I’m having my monthly.”
“I’m on the monthly ride.”
Usually when we talk about something happening monthly, people’s first guess is a period so no need for details!
6. Ways to say “period” at school.
Unfortunately for our school-aged children, surprise periods and fear of leaks can mean they need to leave class. While most teachers will be good with people saying “I need to go to the bathroom”, sometimes they don’t understand the importance and will tell students to wait. Here are some subtle ways to let a teacher know you need to go right away without mentioning a period:
Mention a personal matter, for example say “I need to leave for a moment to handle something personal.”
Mention urgency. Most teachers are good and will ask if a bathroom break can wait, say no or mention that it is urgent anyway.
Ask to go to the nurse instead, this may help them understand the severity of the situation. If a teacher asks why you can say “because I’m not feeling well” or “it’s personal”, which are both true in the case of your period.
7. Be scientific
This isn’t so much a period euphemism, but scientific terms are less commonly used in period-terminology. For example, you could say:
“I’m at the start of my cycle.”
“I’ve just exited myluteal phase.”
“My uterine lining is shedding.”
8. Embrace red
Blood, and therefore periods, are associated with the colour red, so embrace it! Use the euphemisms “red alert”, “red zone” and “crimson tide” to mention your period.
9. Draw from nature
Periods are a natural thing, so tap into that and use nature-inspired or romanticised euphemisms like “I’m flowing/ in flow” or “I feel like I’m at Niagara Falls”.
10. Nothing
The best way to not mention a period is to not say anything at all. While periods should be open topics, we don’t owe anyone the knowledge of if we have it or not.
Have any other euphemisms that aren’t on this list? Connect with us on our socials and share them!
Also, want to know why terms like “aunt flow” are no longer good euphemisms for periods?Read our blog on inclusivity by clicking here.
