One rude phrase. 3 theories. Maritime Origins… or is it? | Jason Nangle | 11 comments
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A single rude phrase has three rival origin stories — two born at sea, one in the bedroom — and linguists still can't agree which is true.
EtymologyFolk EtymologyCultural DiffusionHistorical Linguistics
Theory Briefing
- One theory traces the phrase to sailors using urine as a industrial liquid — historically valuable for processing wool and strengthening fabric.
- A second maritime theory places the origin in cargo handling or shipboard conditions at sea.
- A third competing theory roots the phrase in a domestic or bedroom context, with no nautical connection at all.
- All three theories claim the same phrase but point to completely different social worlds — trade, labor, or private life.