# English folks, question about 'taking a wee' **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [November 18, 2022, 11:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/english-folks-question-about-taking-a-wee/975173 "2022-11-18T23:18:53Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2022, 2:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/english-folks-question-about-taking-a-wee/975173/21 "2022-11-19T14:11:47Z")
For the most part I don’t think Americans either have or take a pee. We just pee. “I need to pee.” “I gotta pee.” ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2022, 2:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/english-folks-question-about-taking-a-wee/975173/22 "2022-11-19T14:55:21Z")
> [@PatrickLondon](#): > > We think “bathroom” and “restroom” are needlessly misleading (conveniently forgetting that “toilet” and “lavatory”’ and “WC” were originally equally euphemistic), but have settled on “loo” as a neutral/acceptable term. Those for whom that’s too overt would get by with a vague “Where’s the erm…” To an American, the “toilet” is the porcelain fixture you pee/poop into, while Brits use the word “toilet” to refer to the room in which such a fixture can be found. > [@whats the big deal with the word "toilet" in the US?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/whats-the-big-deal-with-the-word-toilet-in-the-us/501329): > > so exactly why is asking “excuse me, where is the toilet?” so offensive in the US? In Australia, UK and Asian countries where english is commonly spoken thats most likely what you’d say if you’re at a restaurant and needed to go. Ask that in the US and the waiters would look at you in horror… what the crap? why does the US have such a big deal about using the actual word for the place? ---
**Author:** ![carrps](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carrps/32/2957_2.png) [@carrps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carrps)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2022, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/english-folks-question-about-taking-a-wee/975173/23 "2022-11-19T16:33:47Z")
> [@Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](#): > > Try the comedy panel shows like _8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown_, or _Would I Lie To You_ or the late _Mock The Week_. If Lee Mack teasing David Mitchell, or Dara Ò Briain riffing with Ed Byrne, doesn’t crack you up, you might need a humor transplant. Generally, I like British humor, so I was disappointed. I haven’t seen any of the ones you mentioned. Are they on Acorn? I’ll check them out if they are. > [@Thudlow\_Boink](#): > > To an American, the “toilet” is the porcelain fixture you pee/poop into, while Brits use the word “toilet” to refer to the room in which such a fixture can be found. Yes, to an American, if you say ‘toilet’ they get an image of the toilet itself and all its connotations – not the room where the toilet is. ---
**Author:** ![Die\_Capacitrix](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/die_capacitrix/32/9_2.png) [@Die\_Capacitrix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Die_Capacitrix)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2022, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/english-folks-question-about-taking-a-wee/975173/24 "2022-11-19T17:47:07Z")
> [@Acsenray](#): > > I don’t know any adult who announces a need to perform any particular act. My father says he’s going to “take a whiz” or “drain the lizard”. If he says he’s heading to the reading room, it means he’ll be there longer. Most of my coworkers learned British English, so they will say that someone is “on the toliet”. Not really how I want to picture my coworkers. ---
**Author:** ![PatrickLondon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/patricklondon/32/4422_2.png) [@PatrickLondon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PatrickLondon)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2022, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/english-folks-question-about-taking-a-wee/975173/25 "2022-11-19T21:36:02Z")
> [@Die\_Capacitrix](#): > > Not really how I want to picture my coworkers. Think of them as enthroned in splendour. ---
**Author:** ![hibernicus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hibernicus/32/2802_2.png) [@hibernicus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hibernicus)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2022, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/english-folks-question-about-taking-a-wee/975173/26 "2022-11-19T21:39:00Z")
> [@Acsenray](#): > > I don’t know any adult who announces a need to perform any particular act. I do. Even if I know where the toilet is, I’m not just going to walk away without explanation. And my choice of words will vary widely depending on who I’m talking to, how well I know them, and the formality of the situation. ---
**Author:** ![hibernicus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hibernicus/32/2802_2.png) [@hibernicus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/hibernicus)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2022, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/english-folks-question-about-taking-a-wee/975173/27 "2022-11-19T21:40:29Z")
> [@Die\_Capacitrix](#): > > Most of my coworkers learned British English, so they will say that someone is “on the toliet”. Are you sure they are not saying “in the toilet”? That sounds more likely to me. ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2022, 11:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/english-folks-question-about-taking-a-wee/975173/28 "2022-11-19T23:04:07Z")
> [@hibernicus](#): > > I do. Even if I know where the toilet is, I’m not just going to walk away without explanation. People don’t walk away without explanation while someone is speaking to them, but they just say something like “excuse me.” No explanation needed. And if no one is paying any particular attention to them at the time, they don’t say anything at all. Why would anyone want or need to know that particular fact? ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [November 19, 2022, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/english-folks-question-about-taking-a-wee/975173/29 "2022-11-19T23:17:21Z")
I tend to announce with my friends. “I gotta hit the head” or even the straight forward “I gotta take a piss” if I’m in the bar with the boys. Pretty normal for me. For more genteel crowds, “I need to use the facilities” or something like that. ---
**Author:** ![PatrickLondon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/patricklondon/32/4422_2.png) [@PatrickLondon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PatrickLondon)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2022, 8:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/english-folks-question-about-taking-a-wee/975173/30 "2022-11-20T08:13:56Z")
“I must just pay a call”. Or, as rumour has it of the brave Evans on Scott’s tragic expedition, “I am just going outside - I may be some time”. ---
**Author:** ![chappachula](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/d2c977/32.png) [@chappachula](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chappachula)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2022, 9:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/english-folks-question-about-taking-a-wee/975173/31 "2022-11-20T09:23:38Z")
What about the old British euphemism: “to spend a penny” ? Fifty years ago,(when pay toilets cost a penny) it was common. Is it still in use today? ---
**Author:** ![gracer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/8e7dd6/32.png) [@gracer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gracer)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2022, 10:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/english-folks-question-about-taking-a-wee/975173/32 "2022-11-20T10:31:51Z")
_Raises hand_ I say that. I like it; it’s a nice euphemism. I’d say “I need a wee” is more familiar than vulgar. It’s something you say among friends, and yes, more often among women to distinguish your actual needs. Men just pee, women have a lot going on. You might say: “No no, don’t make me laugh, I need a wee already.” Or you might say: “Oops I think my cup is leaking.” It’s familiar and sometimes funny. ---
**Author:** ![bob\_2](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bob_2/32/3341_2.png) [@bob\_2](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bob_2)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2022, 11:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/english-folks-question-about-taking-a-wee/975173/33 "2022-11-20T11:06:15Z")
> [@chappachula](#): > > What about the old British euphemism: “to spend a penny” ? > Fifty years ago,(when pay toilets cost a penny) it was common. Is it still in use today? A bit more than 50 years ago I think. The coinage went metric 51 years ago. Some older friends will still say “spend a penny” and even people who have never had to put a coin in a slot to get into a toilet will understand them. A common graffito in men’s toilets at the time was _“Here I sit, broken-hearted. Spent a penny and only farted.”_ There are many public conveniences that need a coin around Britain and the number seems to be increasing, but restaurants are legally obliged to provide them FOC. This is French, but we have them here too: [![](http://www.todayifoundout.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/pay-toilet-in-paris.jpg) ](http://www.todayifoundout.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/pay-toilet-in-paris.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![PatrickLondon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/patricklondon/32/4422_2.png) [@PatrickLondon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PatrickLondon)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2022, 11:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/english-folks-question-about-taking-a-wee/975173/34 "2022-11-20T11:33:25Z")
> [@chappachula](#): > > What about the old British euphemism: “to spend a penny” ? > Fifty years ago,(when pay toilets cost a penny) it was common. Is it still in use today? Yes, among older folk. Some of whom may raise a wry smile at Beethoven’s Op. 129 (“Rage Over A Lost Penny”). ---
**Author:** ![Die\_Capacitrix](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/die_capacitrix/32/9_2.png) [@Die\_Capacitrix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Die_Capacitrix)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2022, 11:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/english-folks-question-about-taking-a-wee/975173/35 "2022-11-20T11:36:58Z")
> [@hibernicus](#): > > Are you sure they are not saying “in the toilet”? Yes, I’m sure. It is quite often that the preposition in German doesn’t match the one in English. In this case, the German expression is “auf die Toilette gehen”, which literally translates to “go on the toilet”. Most likely the only time I would hear “go on the toilet” in English is if a parent was talking to their child who is in the process of potty training. ---
**Author:** ![Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slow_moving_vehicle/32/291_2.png) [@Slow\_Moving\_Vehicle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slow_Moving_Vehicle)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2022, 4:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/english-folks-question-about-taking-a-wee/975173/36 "2022-11-20T16:01:28Z")
> [@carrps](#): > > Generally, I like British humor, so I was disappointed. I haven’t seen any of the ones you mentioned. Are they on Acorn? I’ll check them out if they are Sorry it’s taken me a minute to respond. I don’t know about Acorn - I watch clips on YouTube. Some full episodes, too. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2022, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/english-folks-question-about-taking-a-wee/975173/37 "2022-11-20T16:13:52Z")
> [@pulykamell](#): > > I tend to announce with my friends. “I gotta hit the head” or even the straight forward “I gotta take a piss” On our first pontoon boat I’d had several beers (or whatever comes after several) and was planing on heading to shore to urinate in the bushes. My gf told me to “go over the side”. What the hell, why not, I thought, and began sending an arcing stream over the rail. She was horrified. By “going over the side” she’d meant for me to jump in the river, as she’d done several times. I thought she’d jumped in to cool off. Apparently my behavior was uncouth, as there were fishermen on the bank. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2022, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/english-folks-question-about-taking-a-wee/975173/38 "2022-11-20T16:18:14Z")
FWIW, I would have interpreted the phrase as you did. Oh, has “I gotta see a man about a horse?” been mentioned? I (and some friends of mine) would use that in a jocular, old-fogey kind of manner from time to time. ---
**Author:** ![Yosh99](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/y/ccd318/32.png) [@Yosh99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yosh99)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2022, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/english-folks-question-about-taking-a-wee/975173/39 "2022-11-20T16:18:16Z")
\*And I have no idea why they say “poo” and we say “poop”. I think of “poo” as a verb and “poop” as a noun. ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [November 20, 2022, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/english-folks-question-about-taking-a-wee/975173/40 "2022-11-20T16:23:33Z")
> [@Yosh99](#): > > I think of “poo” as a verb and “poop” as a noun. For me, as an American, both are used in verb and noun forms. My tendency (and what I feel the tendency is) is that “poo” is a bit more toddler-talk than “poop.” On the other hand “poop” does sound a little more cutesy than “poo,” as well, so maybe it’s not just on that scale. I can’t remember the last time I used the word “poo.” The dog poops in the yard, and afterward I have to scoop his poops. My go-to is “shit,” then “crap,” then “poop” (for both noun and verb forms) depending on what level of decorum is appropriate to the crowd. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/english-folks-question-about-taking-a-wee/975173.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/english-folks-question-about-taking-a-wee/975173.md?page=3)