'barf' originates from American English, probably as an imitative formation echoing the sound of retching or a gagging noise; its origin is essentially slang and onomatopoeic.

'barf' was recorded in early 20th century American slang and was used both as a verb and a noun; it became more widespread in mid-20th century informal speech and media.

Initially it meant 'to vomit' and 'vomit'; over time the core meaning has remained but it has extended figuratively to describe producing something undesirable or to indicate a program or machine producing an error.