Hate the word "jab" in the media.

janeainsworth

I complained to the BBC about it, notspaghetti.
The word ‘jab’ is not only slang & unprofessional but is also very triggering for many people with a needle phobia & could actually deter people from getting the vaccine.

I did not know that people really complained to the BBC, thought it was just something said in a comedy programme. Did they reply?

My dentist always says little prick. Which we both have to laugh at. Tricky when he's got his hands in my mouth.

It's been going on now for 30 years.

As for jab, I've never found it upsetting or annoying

I thought that's what a lot of medics say

People have used ‘jab’ for as long as I can remember, and I’m fairly ancient. One syllable as opposed to 4 in vaccination, and 5 in inoculation. Much easier to fit into headlines, as in our Times front page today - ‘Jabs mean freedom ‘by Easter’’.

Callistemon In all my years of nursing, I never used the expression a small scratch. It did not make much sense to me
Nor to me, Tweedle - it's a little prick followed by a dull ache.
But yes, that is what they say at our practice.

Were you related to Tony Hancock Callistemon?

I just looked in the mirror and, in repose, I have that morose look

Help!

I must admit to thinking that jab sounds a bit casual but, it covers the meaning.

Marydoll Your post brought back memories. Having lived in Edinburgh for four years as a child, jag was the word I used and was laughed at for using it when we moved to Kent. The other memory was after an injection at school (for what I don’t recall), we had red ribbons tied around the injected arm so the other children would know the arm was tender and avoid knocking it.

Callistemon In all my years of nursing, I never used the expression a small scratch. It did not make much sense to me,

Parsley3 no, not at all! It's the word I can't bear- in the media particularly (happy for people to use it informally if it works for them).

I remember standing in line at school to have my TB jag as it was called in Scotland. We were then given a small metal cage to protect the area.

I do normally prefer medical terms but the fact a vaccine is now available trumps what anyone calls it.

Jab, jag, injection, vaccination, shot, take your pick of the one that upsets you least. I take it you are not saying that you won’t have the vaccination because you don’t like the word ‘ ‘jab’, NS.

"You may feel a small scratch" says the nurse at our practice then proceeds to take an armful of blood!

Were you related to Tony Hancock Callistemon?

jab is a good word in scrabble or wordswithfriends if you get it on the double squares you can get 56 points..

Being a Scot “jag” is used rather than injection.

I agree with you NotSpaghetti. I prefer ‘injection’. Not at all pompous, just the medical term, and compared to some other medical terms I’ve come across, a fairly simple one.

merlotgran ?

Santanna I haven't seen those photos (drawing blood) today but have seen a number of photos of what look like subcutaneous or intradermal injections over the last week or so. I understood this was a regular intramuscular vaccine - but clearly people choosing photos for illustration purposes don't care about accuracy.

This reminds me of a visit to the vet a few years ago for Millie's annual booster.

We have quite a few American serviceman and their families living locally and while waiting I chatted to a woman and her little girl who was very taken with Millie and sat of the floor cuddling her.

I said we were only there for Millie's jab.

The mother explained to the little girl what jab meant reassuring her that it wouldn't hurt the dog. She then turned back to me and said, 'We call them shots!' (I knew that)

I would have loved to ask Millie whether she would rather be jabbed or shot but thought better of it.

I believe the phrase “sharp scratch” is used because somebody somewhere ( might it have been a man? ) objected to “small prick”
"You may feel a small scratch" says the nurse at our practice then proceeds to take an armful of blood!

NotSpaghetti, 'jab' is just a short, convenient term, unlike 'injection' or 'immunisation', surely? I don't see any problem.

I don't care what it's called as long as we get one soon .

notspaghetti I think the thing is that people who aren’t concerned about having injections themselves (and that includes some healthcare professionals) underestimate and don’t understand the real fears & panic of those with a needle phobia, which is quite common.

The other issue is the general dumbing down of the media, using slang words & phrases instead of proper & correct ones.

Well I'm obviously in a minority here! I'd prefer to call it a vaccination which sounds better to me.

I also agreed with janeainsworth that "jab" is more likely to put people off. I hope it doesn't do that.

Another here who's not the slightest bit bothered what they call it. Just bring it on!

Georgesgran

I’m not bothered what it’s called either - nor who or where I get it from! The local Vet if necessary, as long as I get it. We are always told to expect a ‘sharp scratch’ which again isn’t really correct either.

I believe the phrase “sharp scratch” is used because somebody somewhere ( might it have been a man? ) objected to “small prick”

Jab, jag whatever...... Injection is a bit of a pompous mouthful by comparison. We all know what it means. At least no one has come on here, so far, to say they're not having it. This is the first time I can think of when being of mature vintage might be an advantage. Can't wait for the call. Hallelujah!

NotSpaghetti what word would you prefer?