Why is it called the period?
John Hall
Updated on April 17, 2026
“Period” is rooted in the Greek words “peri” and “hodos” (periodos) meaning “around” and “way/path.” This eventually turned into the Latin “periodus” meaning “recurring cycle.” Use of the English term “period” to describe menstruation began in the early 1800s (1).
When was it called a period?
The year 1985 is probably the first time in media history that the word period was first used. “Feeling cleaner is more comfortable.What is the real name for a period?
menses. the monthly flow of blood from a woman's body. The usual word for this is period.How do I politely say I'm on my period?
Most popular
- Aunt Flo/Auntie Flow.
- Time of the month.
- On the rag.
- Red tide/army.
- Code Red.
- Monthly visitor.
- Lady time.
- Surfing the crimson wave/tide.
How do you tell your bf your on your period?
Tell him in a straightforward way.
- Say something simple, like "Hey, I just started my period. I'm not feeling so great."
- You could also say "Oh, it's that time of the month," and he'll probably get it.
- Sometimes couples come up with cute or funny code words for when you're on your period.