Something that the article reminded me of: Is gagging a cultural phenomenon? I've only seen gagging mentioned in the US. I've never heard anyone in my country mention gagging, and we don't have a word for it. If there's a very strong putrid smell, we don't make gagging sounds, we just hold our breaths. I wasn't even aware that someone can puke from a strong smell until I saw it on TV, and it seems psychosomatic to me.