How Women Around the World Talk About Their Periods

Claire NowakUpdated: Mar. 16, 2022

We have a lot of different ways to talk about menstruation: "I’m on my period," "Code red," "Aunt Flow is in town." Here’s how women in other countries talk about that time of the month.

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In France:

“Les Anglais ont Débarqué”
Translation: The English have landed (because British soldiers were redcoats… Get it?)

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In Denmark:

“Der Er Kommunister i Lysthuset”
Translation: There are communists in the funhouse.

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In South Africa:

“Granny’s stuck in traffic.”

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In Brazil:

“Eu sou com Chico.”
Translation: I’m with Chico (i.e. socialist Chico Mendes who was assassinated in the 80s).

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In China:

“Little sister has come.”

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In Ireland:

“I’m wearing a jam rag.”

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In Germany:

“Erdbeerwoche”
Translation: Strawberry week

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In Japan:

“Ichigo-chan”
Translation: Little Miss Strawberry

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In England:

“I’m flying the Japanese flag.”

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In Finland:

“Hullum lechman tauti.”
Translation: Mad cow disease

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In Australia:

“I’ve got the flags out.”

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In Puerto Rico:

“Te canto el gallo”
Translation: Did the rooster already sing?

Originally Published: February 21, 2017