[Idiom] Homo Erectus?

[pubctx]

Hi, I know what this term means in Evolution Theory, but I don't understand why many native English speakers (usually kids) chuckle when they hear it in the history class at school! Apparently, it has a sexual meaning or something but I don't know what it is. Could someone clear this up please? Thanks.

 

[emsr2d2]

Yes, many people snigger at anything containing the word "erect" because it makes them think of "erection" - the state of male genitalia when aroused.

 

[pubctx]

Yes, many people snigger at anything containing the word "erect" because it makes them think of "erection" - the state of male genitalia when aroused.

Oh, it's now as clear as day. Thank you.

 

[TheParser]

NOT A TEACHER


Hello, Pubctx:

In my opinion, those "kids" chuckle because of the word "homo."

 

[Skrej]

I think Parser makes a fair point - there are two potentially "amusing" words with sexual connotations. 'Homo' of course is a pejorative for 'homosexual'. The two words could even play off each other - double your pleasure, so to speak.

Having taught children before, I can guarantee you dollars to doughnuts that somewhere, sometime, somebody has made some kind of a gay joke after reading those two words together.

 

[konungursvia]

In Canadian English we have a similar problem. There is a large do-it-yourself hardware chain whose motto is a beautifully sung jingle, "Homeowners helping homeowners." And every time I hear it, I feel surprised they elected to use it, as it sounds at first something like"homos helping homos" -- for an instant. Then again, our national news anchor, Peter Mansbridge, always introduces his remote reporters with "And with more on that, here's...." Here also, I find "moron" is what comes to mind, and I find the construction unfortunate.

I agree with Parser that it's probably homo first, and erectus second, that makes teens laugh.

 

[bubbha]

The kids are laughing at the combination of the two words "Homo" and "erectus" because it suggests a gay man with an erection.

They also laugh at "Uranus" because it sounds like "your anus".

 

[Rover_KE]

That's why most people these days put the emphasis on the first syllable and leave the next two unstressed.

Click here to listen to it.

 

[Skrej]

Yeah, I'm not sure that "you're in us" is going to defray any prepubescent giggles either.

 

[Raymott]

Nor "urine us". (Oh, maybe that was Piscean's subtle allusion - I should have listened to the sound file).
There's no winning with Uranus.

PS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8D4QsOFMr0E