Why do they call a bathroom a head?

Asked by: Jessica Lieras

The head (pl. heads) is a ship’s toilet. The name derives from sailing ships in which the toilet area for the regular sailors was placed at the head or bow of the ship.

Why is a bathroom called the head?

Since the wind was blowing from the rear to the front, the “head” (or front) of the ship was the best place for sailors to relieve themselves. So, when the shipmates went to the toilet, they went to the head. (I guess a sailor could have said, “I’m going to the bow.”)

Why is the head called a head?

Where did “the head” or other nicknames for the bathroom or the toilet come from? It’s pretty well-known where sailors used the bathroom while at sea for months on end was “the head.” It quite literally meant the head, or the front, of the ship. For more, if you want to keep going on this topic, keep reading.

Why is poop deck called poop deck?

We quote verbatim: “The name originates from the French word for stern, la poupe, from Latin puppis. Thus the poop deck is technically a stern deck, which in sailing ships was usually elevated as the roof of the stern or “after” cabin, also known as the “poop cabin”.

Why does the Navy call a bathroom the head?

heads) is a ship’s toilet. The name derives from sailing ships in which the toilet area for the regular sailors was placed at the head or bow of the ship.

How did they poop on old ships?

Ships of the line frequently included systems of pipes, septic tanks and even primitive forms of flush toilets.

What do Marines call the bathroom?

The Marine Corps and the Coast Guard use the term ‘head‘ when referring to a bathroom.

Why does the military call it a latrine?

The word “latrine” is derived from the Latin lavatrina, meaning bath. Today it is commonly used in the term “pit latrine”. It has the connotation of something being less advanced and less hygienic than a standard toilet.

Where is the poop deck?

stern

Poop Deck: Originating from the Latin term for a vessel’s stern-side – Puppis – the poop deck is located on the vessel’s stern. The poop deck is basically used by the vessel’s commanding superiors to observe the work and navigational proceedings.

Where did they poop in medieval times?

The waste shafts of some medieval toilets ran down the exterior of a fort into moats or rivers, while others were designed with internal castle channels that funneled waste into a courtyard or cesspit. Other privy chambers, meanwhile, protruded out from the castle wall.

What do Marines call the shower?

21. Shower Shoe – Most of us have heard the term “boot” applied to someone new in the Corps, but for those Marines who are newer than new and don’t even rate the term “boot,” the term “shower shoe” (a flip-flop worn in the shower) is lovingly applied.

What are female Marines called?

“She-Marines” (TIME, June 21) was frowned on, too. But the eventual development of some unofficial nickname was certain. Last week the Corps had it: BAMs. In leatherneck lingo that stands (approximately) for Broad-Axle Marines.

Why do Marines say till Valhalla?

The words “until Valhalla” hold special meaning among soldiers. The Vikings believed that should they fall in battle, Valhalla awaited them beyond death. “Until Valhalla” conveys the simple yet powerful message that there is no greater distinction in life than to die with valor and honor.