charley horse
The term "charley horse" is commonly used in the US to describe a sudden, painful muscle cramp, especially in the leg, and can also refer to a specific type of muscle injury.
🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
B2General
(informal, common)A sudden, painful cramp or spasm in a muscle, usually in the leg.
Example
- She woke up in the middle of the night with a charley horse in her calf.
C1Sports Medicine
(technical, medical)A muscle cramp or spasm caused by strain, overuse, or dehydration, leading to temporary pain and immobility.
Example
- Athletes often experience charley horses due to intense physical activity.