Did you know that the word fart means speed in Sweden, Denmark and Norway? Or that Aussies call a pair of flip-flops thongs? How about the fact that the word gift actually means poison in German? Pretty weird, right? That goes to show that the same exact word can actually have two completely different meanings for different people depending on their religion, culture, ethnicity, and most importantly, their experiences.
Related: 5 mistakes you’re making when speaking to someone with a chronic illness
Related: 8 Things People With Chronic Illnesses Want You to Know
Here’s a list of 9 words that mean something completely different for people with a chronic illness:
1. Tired
We wake up tired and we go to sleep tired! Tired for us is a constant feeling, regardless of how much we sleep or rest. Come to think of it, the word tired doesn’t even do us any justice because it’s our norm. When we complain about being tired, it’s probably when we feel like a dead body walking around!
2. Spoons
This is one I’ve been asked quiet a lot since I end all my posts with “Love and Spoons.” And when I say a lot, I really just mean once but I’m seriously wondering why the rest of you haven’t asked me yet because I know I have quite a few followers that aren’t chronic illness sufferers. Unlike others who think of cutlery the second they hear the word spoons, chronic illnesses warriors think of spoons as something they only get a limited amount of. Confused yet? Don’t worry, Iet me explain – spoons is used to describe the idea of limited energy, using it as a unit of energy itself. It stems from Christine Miserandino’s personal story called “The Spoon Theory.” You can read Miserandino’s beautiful story on her website, But You Don’t Look Sick. But next time you hear someone say “I’m all out of spoons,” you might want to consider if you’re speaking to a chronic illness sufferer or someone healthy because depending on who you’re speaking to, the meaning can be quiet different!
3. Pain
Our definition of pain is totally different than yours. We are used to being constantly in pain. Every single second of our lives. It’s for this reason that any time I hurt myself and get asked if I’m in pain, I never know what to say. Because it is a part of our very existence.
4. Symptoms
Symptoms are usually what show up once in a while for most people in order to indicate the onset of a disease or illness. However, since our symptoms show up every day, we don’t take them as a warning that something is wrong. They’re nothing out of the ordinary and just a part of our daily lives.
5. Invisible
Chronic illnesses are also very commonly called invisible illnesses because they aren’t easily visible to other people. However, our illnesses are anything but invisible to us! And our lives are anything but “normal” because we are constantly struggling internally. The fact remains that there’s way more to a person than what you can physically see.
6. Battle
Unlike usually, our battles are with our own selves. More specifically, our bodies. We are forever fighting a battle that no one can see – torn between “I can’t let this illness take over my life” and “I have to listen to my body and rest.”
7. Sick day
Sick days are a whole different ball game for us. The reason being that the “sick days” we get from work actually disappear with a snap of a finger! How so, you may wonder? Because technically, every day of our lives is a sick day. In fact, if we were to start taking the number of days we actually feel sick into consideration, some of us would probably never even get to cooking or doing our laundry, let alone making it in to work. Sick day or not, obligations must be met!
8. Doctor’s office
Our calendars are filled with endless doctor’s visits and medical procedures. For some of us the doctor’s office actually feels like home, and for others, it feels like visiting a close friend. Walking down a hospital corridor feels like walking down the aisle of a grocery store – so familiar. Moreover, there is absolutely nothing scary about blood tests, x-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs, CT scans or any other medical procedures – we are always open to trying the newest treatment options! In other words, bring it on!
9. Friends
These aren’t necessarily people we hang out with during our free time. Our friends need to be extremely considerate and non-judgemental: people who understand if we don’t speak or see them as often or when we have to cancel plans last minute. Because truth be told, we spend most of our free time recuperating from our obligations and responsibilities. We only have enough energy to socialize once in while and they get it! That doesn’t stop them from shooting us a text and popping in to check up on us!
I hope you enjoyed this insight into a chronic illness warrior’s dictionary! Next time you hear anyone of us use these words, you’ll have a better idea of what we are trying to say. BTW, here’s a bonus word – spoonie. It refers to someone living with a chronic illness.
So allow me to re-introduce myself: Hi! My name is Sara and I identify as a spoonie. Why don’t we take this opportunity to get to know each other – please introduce yourself in the comments below!
Love and spoons,
Sara
Hi I’m Julie and i am 59 years old, I have lived with fibromyalgia since I was 34 and was being treated by a rheumatologist. A nurse there had studied fibromyalgia in America and she told my rheumatologist that I had it, he would not recognise the illness but carried on with my treatment which did little to improve me. About 5 years later fibromyalgia was being recognised over in England. Finally he acknowledged that indeed I had it. So I am not new to this fibro but I still have friends and family say she’s always getting up late. She’s never up in the morning. My niece has just been diagnosed and all of a sudden my brother and on going family have actually taken the time to look into this. I also have other ongoing health going on but fibromyalgia even has an impact on operations etc so it has a major impact on our lives. Thank you for your group. It’s the first time I have joined one.
Hi Julie,
First of all, thank you so much for your message! I’m so happy to see that you felt comfortable enough to share your story with me. It means a lot =) Also, I’ve been in a similar position myself so I know exactly how it feels! My suggestion would be to take advantage of the fact that your family is looking into fibromyalgia and each time they bring it up, be more vocal about how you feel and the changes you’ve had to make in your life. The only way to make people realize is by being vocal about it which I understand can get tiring at times but you can’t give up without trying.
Sending lots of love and strength your way!
Sara
Hi Sara, I can totally relate to the spoons that one made me chuckle, recounting the time many people have looked at me very strangely. The battle is certainly an internal one with our minds saying those two things frequently, there is a lot of things people can’t see battling a chronic illness, I always say we are managing all this before everyday life, managing a chronic illness is its own job entirely x
Hi Sarah!
Completely agree =) Here’s hoping for more understanding family and friends around everyone with a chronic illness! Also, I’ve to say it’s the cutest thing ever when a loved one actually uses the word “spoons.” It shows they’re making an effort!
Sending lots of spoons your way!
Hi thank you for your article I am a spoonie endometriosis, adenomiosis and adhesions for 18 years your words make me feel like I’m not alone related and stronger tku.
Hi Lulu!
I’m so happy to hear that – I hope I can continue to be a resource for you and help make you feel less alone.
Sending lots of positive vibes and spoons your way!