Some of the funniest and weirdest period euphemisms

Do you know what's common between sharks, the moon, and Mary? They’re all funny slang words for menstrual periods, code names women have used for generations to talk about something completely natural without actually saying “period.”

Even though it’s the 21st century, talking about menstruation can still feel awkward. Sanitary pads are wrapped in layers of paper like they’re top-secret files, and stains are treated like social disasters. Think about it, when you were in school, did you ever just say, “I got my period”? Chances are you didn’t. You probably said, “It’s that time of the month,” or “I’ve got my chums.”

It’s funny, isn’t it? The fact that periods are called chums, or that we refer to them as shark week or code red, says a lot about how society still struggles to say the P-word. But where did all these period slang words come from, and why do we need so many of them?

Why Do We Use Slang Words for Menstrual Periods?

Research suggests that there are over 5,000 slang words for menstrual periods used across the world. From Aunt Flo to Lady Business, these phrases have been passed down through cultures, media, and everyday conversations.

The intention behind using funny slang words for menstrual period can vary, sometimes it’s humor, sometimes modesty, and sometimes it’s just easier than saying “menstruation.” But the deeper issue is that society still treats menstruation as something to be hidden or whispered about.

Language is powerful. It reflects our collective mindset. Sleeping is called sleeping. Walking is called walking. But when it comes to menstruation, we’ve built an entire secret dictionary. Why? Because the stigma around periods has been ingrained in us for centuries.

The goal isn’t to banish these creative nicknames, they’re part of our shared humor and history. But we should reach a point where people choose to use them for fun, not out of embarrassment.

Funny Names for Periods Around the World

Across the globe, women have come up with some truly creative and funny ways to say you’re on your period. Here are some of the weirdest, wittiest, and most iconic ones:

• Strawberry Week
  
• The English Have Landed
  
• I’m With Chico
  
• Moon Time
  
• Monthly Friend
  
• Japan Is Attacking
  
• Cranberry Woman
  
• The Curse
  
• I’m With Andrew – the one that comes every month
  
• Ketchup Week
  
• Communists in the Gazebo
  
• Defrosting the Steak
  
• Mother Nature
  
• Code Red
  
• Bloody Mary
  
• The Blob
  
• Lady Business
  
• Red Wedding
  
• Carrie
  
• Girl Flu
  
• Having the Painters In
  
• Granny’s Stuck in Traffic
  
• I’m Untouchable

Each one of these colorful phrases shows how women have used humor to cope with discomfort, cramps, and mood swings, turning something messy into something relatable and funny.

The Cultural Side of Period Slang

Every culture has its own period slang, and some even use metaphors inspired by nature or war. In Germany, they say “Erdbeerwoche”, literally “Strawberry Week.” In France, it’s “Les Anglais ont débarqué,” meaning “The English have landed.” These quirky euphemisms were born from a time when discussing menstruation openly was frowned upon.

In India, it’s common to hear “chums” or “monthly visitor”, softer ways to express something that happens to half the world’s population every month. Even pop culture got involved. Remember the phrase “Red Wedding” from Game of Thrones? It became one of the most funny names for periods online.

These phrases are more than jokes; they’re linguistic survival tools. They let women share an eye roll or a laugh about cramps without facing judgment. But we’re now entering an era where we’re reclaiming the conversation. Using funny slang words for menstrual periods doesn’t have to mean hiding. It can mean celebrating the shared experience with humor.

Periods Are Natural, Not Taboo

The real issue isn’t using funny names for periods; it’s the fact that society still makes us feel like we can’t talk about them openly. When we use slang to avoid the word “period,” it reinforces the idea that it’s something shameful.

The truth? Menstruation is a biological process that keeps the world going. It’s a sign of health, fertility, and life. So, whether you call it Moon Time, Shark Week, or just “my period,” it’s something to be respected, not hidden.

If humor helps you get through cramps and cravings, go for it. But let’s also normalize saying period proudly. The more we use the real word, the more comfortable future generations will be.

Why We Should Normalize Period Talk

Breaking the taboo around periods starts with language. Talking openly about menstrual health helps:

• Promote better education – so young girls understand their bodies without shame.
  
• Encourage empathy – so workplaces and schools support menstrual needs.
  
• Support menstrual equity – by pushing for accessible period products and ending stigma.
  
• Empower women – by letting them talk about their bodies confidently.
  

The next time someone says “The painters are in” or “It’s Shark Week,” laugh, but also remember, there’s nothing weird about being on your period. It’s just part of life.

Popular Slang Words for Menstrual Periods in Modern Times

Social media has also birthed new period slang that’s clever and meme-worthy. Some of the trending ones include:

• Red Alert
  
• Flow’s in Town
  
• The Monthly Marathon
  
• The Lava Lamp
  
• Visiting Aunt Ruby
  
• Red Sea Situation
  
• That Week of Doom
  

These funny ways to say you’re on your period are more than jokes; they show how language evolves as we grow more open and self-aware. From whispered code words to viral TikToks, we’ve come a long way.

Empowerment Through Humor

There’s power in laughter. Turning discomfort into comedy gives us control over how we experience it. When women swap funny slang words for menstrual periods, it creates connection and solidarity. It’s a wink between friends that says, “I get it.”

But empowerment also means having the freedom to speak plainly. Whether you choose to say “period,” “menstruation,” or “Code Red,” you’re owning your narrative, and that’s what matters most.

Final Thoughts

Whether you call it Aunt Flo, Strawberry Week, or Shark Week, your period deserves to be talked about without fear or embarrassment. Using funny slang words for menstrual periods can make the experience lighter, but let’s also remember that it’s completely natural.

So, go ahead, share your favorite period slang with your friends, laugh about it, and own it. Because the more we normalize period talk, the closer we get to a world where every woman can say, confidently and unapologetically, “I’m on my period.”

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q1. Why do people use slang words for menstrual periods?

Because periods were historically considered private or taboo, slang allowed people to refer to them indirectly or with humor.

Q2. What are the most common period slang words?

Some well-known ones include Aunt Flo, Shark Week, Time of the Month, Chums, and Code Red.

Q3. Why are periods called “chums”?

“Chums” became a popular euphemism in British English, suggesting a friendly monthly visitor rather than something unpleasant.

Q4. What are some funny slang words for menstrual periods?

Bloody Mary, Strawberry Week, Communists in the Gazebo, and Defrosting the Steak top the list for humor and creativity.

Q5. How many euphemisms exist for getting your period?

Linguists estimate there are over 5,000 unique slang terms for menstruation across different cultures.

Q6. Is using period slang bad or anti-feminist?

Not at all, using funny names for periods can be empowering if done playfully, as long as it’s not used to shame or silence the topic.

Q7. What are funny ways to say you’re on your period in modern culture?

Phrases like Red Wedding, Flow’s in Town, or The Monthly Marathon have become popular on social media.

Q8. How can we normalize saying “period”?

By talking about menstruation openly, teaching menstrual health early, and supporting campaigns that break stigma.