A listener in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, recalls that his grandfather used to announce he was headed to the restroom by saying, “I have to go see a man about a horse.” An earlier version of the phrase is, “I have to go see a...
The Thai have a wise saying about self-reliance that translates as “You must go to the restroom, the restroom won’t come to find you.” True that. This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Thai Self-Reliance”...
A listener in Taiwan reports that if someone knocks when you’re in public restroom there, the customary response is to knock back! This is part of a complete episode. Transcript of “Knocking in the Restroom” We’re still...
Bridget in Ishpeming, Michigan, wonders why so many English speakers answer a restroom knock with Ocupado!, even when they don’t speak Spanish. The usage may have been reinforced by bilingual signs in everyday U.S. life, including old airline seat...
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...