Powder one's nose

[0630] Number one / Number two

🎲 Pass gas
English Idioms
All Idioms

Explanation

Euphemisms used, especially with or by children, to refer to bodily functions:

  • Number one = Urination (peeing).
  • Number two = Defecation (pooping).

Provides a discreet way to ask about or state the need for using the toilet without using more direct or potentially embarrassing words.

    Origin

    • Likely originated in the context of parenting and potty training in the 20th century.
    • Assigning numbers is a simple, neutral way to differentiate the two main functions for children learning toilet habits.
    • It avoids potentially yucky words while still being clear.

    Synonyms & Related Expressions

    • Pee / Wee (Informal for urination).
    • Poop / Poo (Informal for defecation).
    • Urinate / Defecate (Formal/Medical).
    • Spend a penny (0628), Powder one's nose (0629).
    • Use the toilet/restroom/bathroom/loo.

    Alternatives

    Slang/Informal (Often used by adults, or older children):

    • Pee/Piss (Vulgar) / Take a leak (Vulgar) for number one.
    • Poop/Poo/Crap (Vulgar) / Shit (Vulgar) / Take a dump (Vulgar) for number two.
    • Wee (Urination, common UK/Aus/NZ, informal).
    • Go potty (Childish).

    Vulgar/Emphatic:

    • Take a piss, Take a shit/dump/crap.

    Milder/Standard:

    • Urinate, Pass water.
    • Defecate, Move one's bowels, Have a bowel movement.
    • Simply stating the need: I need the toilet.

    Situational Appropriateness

    • Primarily used with young children or by adults speaking to young children about toilet needs.
    • Can occasionally be used between adults for discretion, especially in medical contexts or situations where specificity is needed without being crude (e.g., explaining symptoms).
    • Sounds childish or overly euphemistic if used generally between adults in non-specific situations.

    Misunderstanding Warnings

    • The meaning is usually clear from context (toilet needs).
    • A non-native speaker might initially be confused by the numbers but should quickly grasp the meaning if potty training or toilet use is being discussed.

    Examples

    • Parent to child: Do you need to do number one or number two?
    • Child: Mommy, I have to go number two!
    • Adult (discreetly, perhaps in a medical context or if needing to be specific without being crude): I think I just need to do number one.

    Dialogue

    Parent: We need to leave soon. Does anyone need the toilet?

    Child: Me! I need to do number one!

    Parent: Okay, quick then.

    Teacher (to young student): Do you need to use the restroom?

    Student: (Nods shyly)

    Teacher: Number one or number two? (To gauge urgency/time needed)

    Student: Number two.

    Teacher: Okay, let me get the hall pass.

    Social Media Examples

    • (Unlikely to be used on social media, except perhaps in parenting forums or blogs).
    • Parenting blog post: Tips for teaching your toddler the difference between number one and number two.
    • Forum comment: My kid keeps having accidents mostly number one, thankfully. #PottyTraining

    Response Patterns

    • (Child): Answering the question (Number one!), or stating their need.
    • (Adult listener): Acknowledging, facilitating the toilet visit (Okay, let's find a bathroom.).

    Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

    • Going to the toilet.
    • Asking if they need help (especially for a child).
    • Providing toilet paper, assisting with handwashing.

    Conversation Starter

    • No. Relates to bodily functions.

    Intonation

    • Spoken matter-of-factly, often in a questioning tone when asking a child.
    • Can be spoken quietly or discreetly between adults if used.
    • Normal intonation, stress falls naturally on the number: NUMber one, NUMber two.

    Generation Differences

    • Common across generations in the context of childcare. Adults generally switch to more direct or standard terms for themselves unless specific discretion is needed.

    Regional Variations

    • Widely understood and used in most English-speaking regions, particularly in the context of raising children.
    Powder one's nose
    🎲 Pass gas