Judy in Miami, Florida, wonders how the expression squeaky clean came to mean spotless, whether literally or metaphorically. At least as early as the 1930s, the squeaky clean referred to hair that was so free of oil and dirt it makes a squeaking...
Listeners continue to chime in after our conversation about terms for a quick cleanup, such as Navy shower or G.I. shower, or washing up to possible. @TruBlu tweeted a few more examples. This is part of a complete episode.
paper daisy n.— «Rangers have the unenviable task of picking up what they euphemistically call “paper daisies”—pieces of toilet paper left to blow around. Some people don’t even bury it.» —“Fraser Island a big toilet...
You might have heard Brits say “I’m going to spend a penny” when they have to visit the loo. The hosts discuss the reason for this phrase, and other euphemisms for making a trip to the toilet, such as “I’m going to...
tissue n.— «The impetus came from Ms. Nagle, who has long been fascinated by the Sanitation Department.…Tissue is “a desk job, an easy job.”» —“Nothing’s Wasted, Especially Garbage” by Edward Rothstein New...
nose bidet n.— «An audience member at the Oprah show knew what it was and she said it is a neti pot or a nose bidet. She told Oprah that she used to use one when she had allergies in order to help irrigate her nose and reduce the amount...