I am going to defecate. - Would this be appropriate to Americans?

[Tan Elaine]

If I want to go to the toilet to defecate, how should I phrase it?

I am going to defecate. - Would this be appropriate to Americans?

I believe to the British, this is fine. I was told that the Americans do not like to describe what we do in the toilet.

Thanks.

 

[5jj]

I believe to the British, this is fine.

No it's not!

In all-male groups you may hear some such expression as "I'm going for a dump", but generally we do not explain precisely why we are going to the lavatory.

 

[SoothingDave]

Unless I am your doctor or nurse, there is no reason for you to be telling me any of this. TMI. Too Much Information.

When potty training children we have them refer to "#1" (urinating) or "#2" (defecating).

 

[Barb_D]

Just say "Excuse me for a moment" and leave. No one wants to know what you're going to do.

 

[Tan Elaine]

If my house has one toilet, and my brother wants urgently to use it when I am using the toilet, how would he ask me what I am doing?

Are you defecating or passing water? I think the latter is fine even to Americans, but how would the former be phrased?

Thanks.

 

[Barb_D]

I have observed this cultural difference before. An American is just very unlikely to say what they are doing and would never ask.
"Are you almost done in there? I really, really need to use the bathroom" is what the person on the outside would say and "Oh, um, we'll, I'm going to be a few more minutes" is what the person on the inside might reply. Or "Don't worry, I'll be out in a second."

"Passing water" sounds hopelessly outdated to me. If you really must be explicit, saying "pee" as in "I really have to pee."

 

[5jj]

An American is just very unlikely to say what they are doing and would never ask.

The same is true for most British people.

 

[SoothingDave]

I agree with Barb, but note that there might be a little less formality among family. "I'm pooping, go downstairs."

 

[Tan Elaine]

Thanks, Barb.

I believe the British are not particular about what one does in the toilet. I think the Americans are more sensitive to this matter.

 

[Barb_D]

Yes, I agree with Dave that with family, you are likely to get more explicit replies.

 

[5jj]

I believe the British are not particular about what one does in the toilet. I think the Americans are more sensitive to this matter.

As I have already said, most British people do not discuss such things. Young people, especially in single-sex groups may be more explicit. Certain families may be more explicit. However, most of us do not wish to inform others of our bowel and bladder functions, and would find it weird if anybody asked us about them.

 

[Tan Elaine]

Thanks, 5jj.

I was wrong. Both the British and Americans do not like to talk about defecation or urinating.

 

[5jj]

Your British doctor may ask you about your bowel movements and the colour of your stools; if s/he thinks you can't understand these questions, she may ask about your poo(ing). Depending on his/her assessment of your IQ, s/he may enquire about the emptying of your bladder, your waterworks, or your pee. I have had doctors asking me about these things. I have never heard them use 'defecate'.

 

[Chicken Sandwich]

I was wrong. Both the British and Americans do not like to talk about defecation or urinating.

Nobody really likes to talk about those kinds of things. I'm sure it's no different in Hong Kong, isn't it? Surely people in Hong Kong do not say "May I be excused? I need to defecate" in polite company?

 

[Perfection1]

Hi. How about I need a poo poo.

 

[5jj]

Hi. How about I need a poo poo.

Children's language.

 

[emsr2d2]

Hi. How about I need a poo poo.

Feel free to use that - if you are four years old.

 

[Barb_D]

In case this hasn't been clear, most Americans see the word "toilet" as applying only to the plumbing fixture. It does not apply to the room that houses that piece of plumbing.

 

[probus]

To this remarkably extensive discussion, it should be added that defecate is a formal or scientific word that is almost never heard in everyday speech.

 

[Esprit]

I think that you will find the Americans more prudish than the English as when asking for a piece of chicken they will not refer to the chicken breast as a breast, but as white meat.

I do not think that asking or telling another what one is doing in a toilet is normal. It is rather a private matter in any Country.