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to do the technicolor yawn
01
to vomit, often spectacularly or messily
Figurative
Slang
What is the origin of the phrase "do the Technicolor Yawn" and how is it used?
Do the Technicolor Yawn is a slang phrase that appeared in late 20th-century English to describe vomiting, often in a spectacular or messy way. The term comes from "Technicolor," referencing the bright, vivid colors used in old films, combined with "yawn" as a euphemistic nod to opening the mouth. Literally, it paints vomiting as a visually striking (and often colorful) event. Historically and today, it is informal and crude, used humorously or descriptively in casual speech rather than polite or neutral contexts.
Examples
He drank too fast and did the technicolor yawn in the alley.



























