Flema (en. Phlegm)

/ˈflem.a/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishSpanish
noun
Viscous and thick substance generated in the respiratory tract.
The phlegm accumulated in his lungs due to the flu.
La flema se acumuló en sus pulmones debido a la gripe.
Attitude of imperturbability or indifference.
Despite the chaos, he maintained his composure in the situation.
A pesar del caos, mantuvo su flema ante la situación.

Etymology

From the Greek phlegma, meaning 'inflammation' or 'heat'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

to lose one's composure
To lose calmness or self-control.
perder la flema
to keep one's composure
To maintain calmness in difficult situations.
mantener la flema
to have composure
To have a serene and controlled attitude.
tener flema

Related Words

mucus
Viscous secretion from the respiratory tract.
moco
sputum
Secretion expelled when coughing, commonly associated with phlegm.
esputo

Slang Meanings

Indifference or apathy in a situation.
He arrived late to the party without any composure.
Llegó tarde a la fiesta sin ninguna flema.
Cold behavior in the face of a problem.
His composure made him seem insensitive.
Su flema lo hizo parecer insensible.