We have mixed feelings about using phrases like "on the rag" to indicate that you're menstruating. For one, euphemisms help hide what you're really talking about, and that can serve to reinforce the shame many feel when it comes to their periods. These phrases can also support negative feelings about menstruation--like when we call it "a curse."

crimsonwave

On the flipside, euphemisms can be really funny! Humor is useful in breaking the ice about a taboo topic, and making people feel comfortable. If I'm going to be speaking in front of a group, I'll often start by making jokes about periods to get everyone to just relax, already! Menstruation is a totally normal, natural function of our bodies and, let's face it, bodies can be kinda funny.

With that in mind, I polled the GladRags team for their favorite euphemisms for periods:

  • Shark Week - Iris
  • Sitting on Strawberries - Heather
  • Lining the Drawers - Tracy
  • Dark Side of the Moon - Meagan
  • Surfing the Crimson Wave - Eliana
  • The Red Badge of Courage - Nicole

What's your favorite way to refer to your "monthlies"?


About the author of this post:

tracypuhl is the owner of GladRags and is passionate about period positivity and empowering women everywhere. When she’s not in the office, you might find her attempting to run a faster 10k, traveling, practicing yoga, or pointing out how cute her cats are being right now.