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Have you ever wondered why we use the terms “number 1” and “number 2” to refer to urination and defecation respectively? These phrases are common in everyday language, and you may even have heard them used in the context of food and drink service. But where do they come from and why do we use them? In this article we will explore the origins of these terms and examine their significance in food terminology.
Historical origins
The use of ‘number 1’ and ‘number 2’ to refer to bodily functions is thought to have originated in the early 20th century. At that time, doctors used the Bristol Stool Chart to classify different types of stool based on their shape and consistency. The chart assigned each type of stool a number from 1 to 7, with 1 representing hard, dry stools and 7 representing watery diarrhoea.
Over time, people began to use the terms ‘number 1’ and ‘number 2’ as shorthand for urination and defecation respectively, based on the corresponding numbers on the Bristol Stool Chart. The terms caught on and became widely used, particularly in the United States.
It is worth noting, however, that the use of euphemisms to refer to bodily functions is not a new phenomenon. Throughout history, people have used a variety of terms and expressions to avoid using direct language when discussing bodily functions, especially in polite company.
Scientific explanations
While the use of ‘number 1’ and ‘number 2’ may have originated as a way of classifying different types of faeces, there are also scientific explanations for why we use these terms to refer to urination and defecation.
Urination is commonly referred to as “number 1” because it is the first bodily function that a baby learns to control. In fact, the ability to control urination is an important developmental milestone for babies and toddlers. As a result, “Number 1” has become associated with urination and is now widely used as a euphemism for the act.
Bowel movements, on the other hand, are commonly referred to as “number 2” because it is the second bodily function that a baby learns to control. After learning to control urination, babies and toddlers must also learn to control bowel movements. As a result, “number 2” became associated with bowel movements and is now widely used as a euphemism for the act.
While these scientific explanations may not fully explain the widespread use of “number 1” and “number 2” in everyday language, they do provide some insight into why these terms have become so prevalent.
Cultural significance
The use of ‘number 1’ and ‘number 2’ to refer to bodily functions is deeply rooted in many cultures around the world. In some cultures, these terms are used as a way of avoiding direct language when discussing bodily functions, particularly in polite company.
In Japan, for example, the terms ‘ichido’ and ‘nidou’ are commonly used to refer to urination and defecation respectively. These terms are considered more polite than the direct equivalents and are often used in formal settings.
In some parts of the United States, the terms “number 1” and “number 2” are also used in the context of food and beverage service. For example, a waiter or bartender may ask a customer if they need to use the “number 1” or “number 2” restroom. This usage is considered more polite than using direct language and is often seen as a way of maintaining a certain level of decorum in public settings.
While the cultural meaning of these terms may vary across different contexts and cultures, their widespread use is evidence of their enduring popularity as euphemisms for bodily functions.
Common use in food industry
The terms “number 1” and “number 2” are commonly used in the food and beverage industry as a way of discreetly communicating with co-workers or colleagues about bodily functions. For example, a server in a restaurant may ask a colleague if they can cover their tables while they take a quick “number 1” break. Similarly, a bartender may ask a colleague if they can keep an eye on the bar while they take a “number 2” break.
These terms are often used to avoid using direct language when discussing bodily functions in a professional setting. They are considered more polite and appropriate than using direct language and are often seen as a way of maintaining a certain level of decorum and professionalism.
While the use of “number 1” and “number 2” may seem unusual or even inappropriate to some, it has become a widely accepted practice in the food and beverage industry. In fact, many industry professionals consider these terms to be an essential part of their workplace vocabulary.
Alternative terms and expressions
While ‘number 1’ and ‘number 2’ are widely used euphemisms for urination and defecation, there are many alternative terms and expressions that people use to refer to these bodily functions.
For example, some people may use the terms “tinkle” or “pee” instead of “number 1” to refer to urination. Similarly, some people may use the terms “poop” or “poo” instead of “number 2” to refer to defecation.
In addition to these terms, there are a wide variety of idioms and expressions that people use to refer to bodily functions. For example, someone may say they “need to see a man about a horse” to discreetly communicate that they need to go to the toilet. Similarly, someone might say they “dropped the kids off at the pool” to refer to defecation.
While the use of alternative terms and expressions may vary depending on the person and the context, they all serve the same purpose of avoiding the use of direct language when discussing bodily functions.
Conclusion
The use of ‘number 1’ and ‘number 2’ to refer to urination and defecation is a long-standing practice that is deeply rooted in many cultures around the world. While the historical origins of these terms may be rooted in medical classifications of faeces, their widespread use today is due to a combination of scientific explanations, cultural significance and their practicality as euphemisms.
In the food and drink industry, the use of these terms has become accepted practice as a way of discreetly communicating about bodily functions in a professional setting. However, there are also many alternative terms and expressions that people use to refer to these bodily functions, depending on the individual and the context.
Overall, the use of ‘number 1’ and ‘number 2’ as euphemisms for urination and defecation is evidence of our human tendency to use indirect language when discussing certain topics. While some may find these terms unusual or even inappropriate, they have become a widely accepted part of our everyday vocabulary and are likely to continue to be used for the foreseeable future.
FAQs
What is the origin of the terms “number 1” and “number 2”?
The terms “number 1” and “number 2” are believed to have originated in the early 20th century as a way to classify different types of feces based on the corresponding numbers on the Bristol Stool Chart.
Why are urination and defecation referred to as “number 1” and “number 2”?
Urination is commonly referred to as “number 1” because it is the first bodily function that a baby learns to control. Defecation, on the other hand, is commonly referred to as “number 2” because it is the second bodily function that a baby learns to control after urination.
What is the cultural significance of the terms “number 1” and “number 2”?
The use of these terms as euphemisms for bodily functions has become deeply ingrained in many cultures around the world. In some cultures, they are used as a way to avoid using direct language when discussing bodily functions, particularly in polite company.
Why are “number 1” and “number 2” commonly used in the food industry?
The terms are commonly used in the food and beverage industry as a way to discreetly communicate with co-workers or colleagues about bodilyfunctions. They are considered more polite and appropriate than using direct language and are often seen as a way to maintain a certain level of decorum and professionalism.
What are some alternative terms and expressions people use to refer to bodily functions?
Some alternative terms for urination include “tinkle” or “pee,” while alternative terms for defecation include “poo” or “poop.” In addition, there are a wide variety of idioms and expressions that people use to refer to bodily functions, such as “seeing a man about a horse” or “dropping the kids off at the pool.”