Wheeze is both a symptom to parents (reported as noisy breathing) and a sign to clinical staff – with very differing perspectives between parents and clinicians on what constitutes “wheeze”. The purpose of this article is to consider these differences of understanding from the perspective of different stakeholders so that nobody is “lost in translation”. Misunderstandings may lead to epidemiologic and treatment faults. Every effort should be made to educate parents and improve their communications with clinicians.