English Language Discussion Forums

Ducklet Cat · #1 07-Jan-2006, 19:08

What is the difference between ill and sick?

**Tdol** · #2 08-Jan-2006, 05:43

I don't think there's much difference, though 'sick' alone can mean 'vomit'. In AE, there seems to be very little difference, though if you look at this discussion on the topic, you'll see there are a few specific uses like the BrE 'sick note' or 'sick in the head':
http://groups.google.com/group/alt.u...&start=0&num=3

SweetMommaSue · #3 08-Jan-2006, 06:09

I use both sick and ill interchangeably. I have said, "I think I'm going to be ill" when my stomach was about to rebel. . . which it did plenty while carrying each of my 3 sons

. I've also said, "I'm gonna be sick!" When feeling like I was "coming down with something" (another expression for feeling like you're becoming ill or sick) I've said and heard "I feel ill/sick" meaning that I was achey or coughing heavily (like with bronchitis).

Interesting link, tdol. Interesting discussion.

So, in AE, it's interchangeable.

Smiles,

Sweet Momma Sue

Ducklet Cat · #4 08-Jan-2006, 21:04

Great discussion. Thanks a lot :)