rhabdo

Definition

Shortened term for rhabdomyolysis, the catastrophic muscle breakdown that releases proteins into your bloodstream and can destroy your kidneys. When someone tells you they got rhabdo from a workout, they went from fitness enthusiast to medical emergency in record time.

Example Usage

Coach pushed the team so hard during conditioning that three players ended up with rhabdo and pee the color of Coca-Cola.

Origin

Medical abbreviation from Greek 'rhabdo' (rod-shaped) + 'myo' (muscle) + 'lysis' (breakdown), popularized in CrossFit communities

Fun Fact

CrossFit's unofficial mascot 'Uncle Rhabdo' was a cartoon clown dying of rhabdomyolysis, which they eventually retired after criticism from medical professionals.

Source: Medical and extreme fitness terminology

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