# douche

/ˈduʃ/ (US) · /dˈuːʃ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/douche
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. an unpleasant person

noun · CEFR C1 · Slang · Vulgar · Informal

a rude, annoying, or arrogant person who thinks they are better than others.

For teachers: a pejorative term for an objectionable, arrogant, or socially inept individual; functions as a shortened form of 'douchebag'.

- I can't believe he said that to her; he is such a douche.
- The protagonist in the film is portrayed as a total douche who eventually learns humility after losing his high-paying job.

Teaching tip: This is a very common modern insult in American English. While it is vulgar, it is often used casually among friends to describe someone being annoying.

### 2. medical device

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a tool or a stream of water used to wash out a part of the body, especially the vagina.

For teachers: a device or a jet of water used for the irrigation of a body cavity, particularly the vagina.

- The doctor advised her against using a douche because it can cause infections.
- Medical professionals generally discourage the use of a vaginal douche as it disrupts the natural bacterial balance of the body.

Teaching tip: In modern medical contexts, this term is increasingly rare as the practice itself is often discouraged by health experts.

### 3. to wash a body cavity

verb · CEFR C2 · Technical

to wash out a part of the body using a stream of water.

For teachers: to perform irrigation of a body cavity, typically the vagina, using a liquid solution.

- She was told not to douche before her medical appointment.
- The patient was instructed not to douche for forty-eight hours prior to the procedure to ensure accurate test results.

Usage: Can be used transitively or intransitively.

## Examples

- Don't be such a douche and help us clean up.
- He acted like a total douche at the party by bragging about his expensive car all night.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.