Why We Say 'Taking a Poop' and Not 'Leaving a Poop'

The phrase 'taking a poop' may seem logical to some, but it is not the only expression that uses 'take' in an idiomatic way that does not relate to literal actions. In fact, the English language is filled with such expressions, such as 'take a bath' or 'take a walk.'

Common Idiomatic Expressions with 'Take'

Expressions like 'take a bath,' 'take a shower,' and 'take a stroll' do not literally involve taking something. Instead, 'take' in these phrases refers to performing an activity. The same goes for other expressions like 'take a look,' 'take a test,' and 'take a trip.' Here’s a closer look at a couple of these:

Take a Bath: Refers to bathing oneself. Take a Shower: Refers to showering oneself. Take a Walk: Refers to walking. Take a Stroll: Also refers to walking leisurely. Take a Break: Refers to pausing for a short rest. Take a Test: Refers to participating in a test or examination. Take a Hint: Refers to receiving a subtle indication. Take a Chance: Refers to taking a risk. Take a Leak: Refers to going to the bathroom to urinate. Take a Dump: This is another way of saying 'taking a poop.'

Understanding the Idiomatic Use of 'Take'

These expressions are not just literal actions. They refer to the events themselves. When you read a book or text while waiting, it is much like someone 'taking a shower' and shaving their hair. The 'take' in these expressions does not mean 'to procure,' but rather 'to do an activity.'

When people say 'take a poop,' they are referring to the act of pooping, similar to how 'taking a break' refers to taking time to rest. In this context, 'take' means to perform the action, not to have the result.

Addressing the Toilet Myths

Some myths suggest that saying 'taking a poop' is due to the time it takes to poop or because it is a physical action. While it's a fun thought, the more likely explanation is that 'poop' (or 'dump') is used in an idiomatic sense, similar to phrases like 'take a breath' or 'take a drink.'

For example, sometimes people say 'I'm taking a poop in the toilet water tank.' This means that when someone flushes, the toilet refills with water. Some cultures use this term 'upper decker' to describe it, where the water from the flush fills the toilet, resulting in an overflow. This expression is more about the action of pooping and the subsequent action of refilling the toilet, rather than the result (which would be leaving a poop).

In summary, the phrase 'taking a poop' might seem confusing or illogical, but it aligns with the broader use of 'take' in idiomatic expressions. These phrases often describe the actions or events rather than the results. By understanding the context, we can appreciate the complexity and depth of English idiomatic expressions.