PhrasesHub

Point Percy at the porcelain

    Definitions

      • to urinate
        To humorously or crudely refer to the act of going to the bathroom to urinate

    Examples of Point Percy at the porcelain

    • Sarah's stomach suddenly churned, causing her to clasp her hands to her abdomen and excuse herself from the dinner table. Her friends looked at each other knowingly and whispered, "Point Percy at the porcelain."

      In this idiomatic expression, "Point Percy" is a colloquial way of saying "point" or "direct," while "Percy" is simply a humorous, made-up name for the toilet. Essentially, the phrase means to lead someone to the bathroom, as Sarah's friends knew she was about to be sick and wanted to provide her with a discreet way to exit the dining room without causing a scene.

    • The tour guide announced, "If you need to use the facilities, please ask the attendant to point Percy your way."

      In this example, the phrase "point Percy" is being used as a humorous euphemism for directing someone to the restroom. By making light of the situation, the tour guide is able to acknowledge the necessity of using the bathroom without embarrassing anyone or disrupting the tour.

    • After finishing his meal, John asked the waiter, "Excuse me, where is the little boy's room?" The waiter looked at him quizzically before replying, "I'm afraid I don't know what you're asking. Would you prefer to 'point Percy' at the porcelain?"

      Here, John's request for the location of the restroom is met with confusion by the waiter, who is obviously familiar with the "point Percy" idiom. By suggesting an alternative way of asking for directions to the bathroom, the waiter is able to clarify the situation and avoid any misunderstandings.

    • As they walked through the busy market, Sue suddenly grabbed Tom's elbow and pulled him towards a nearby alleyway. Tom looked at her confusedly, but Sue just smiled and said, "I'm afraid Percy's calling your name."

      In this example, Sue's abrupt pull on Tom's elbow is interpreted by him as strange and confusing. However, after she explains that "Percy's calling [his] name," Tom quickly understands that she is simply leading him to the bathroom. By using the humorous idiom, Sue is able to lighten the situation and avoid any awkwardness or embarrassment.

    • After devouring a spicy meal, my friend's face turned red and he rushed to the bathroom, muttering, "I think I need to point Percy at the porcelain."

      "Point Percy at the porcelain" is a humorous euphemism for running to the toilet to vomit. The origin of this idiom is unknown, but some theories suggest that it refers to the action of aiming a firearm or a periscope towards a target, symbolizing the aim of the body to expel the contents of the stomach. However, the true meaning of the phrase is still obscure and debated by linguists. Nevertheless, this idiom is widely used in colloquial English to describe the situation of someone with an upset stomach or food poisoning.

    • The little one had upset her apple cart at dinner time and was now pointing a trembling finger at the toilet bowl, begging to be excused.

      This idiom in this example is used to describe a situation where a child is urgently requesting to use the bathroom. "Point Percy" is a euphemism for this act, as it is less blunt than saying "point to the toilet". The phrase "point Percy" is less commonly used than its alternative, "point to the porcelain". This idiom is commonly used in everyday conversation, particularly when speaking about young children.

    • After indulging in a rich meal, the guest politely asked to be excused and pointed Percy in the direction of the bathroom.

      This idiom in this example is used to describe a situation where an adult is requesting to use the bathroom. The phrase "indulging in a rich meal" refers to overeating or consuming a large and decadent meal. The speaker politely asks the host to be excused and then uses the idiom "point Percy" to express his or her urgency to use the toilet. This phrase is used in literary and conversational contexts to add a touch of humor or playfulness to a serious situation.

    • The patient was in discomfort and kept pointing Percy in the direction of the nurse, who fumbled around the hospital for the porcelain throne.

      This idiom in this example is used to describe a situation where a sick or ailing person is urgently requesting to use the bathroom. The speaker in this example is a patient experiencing discomfort and repeatedly points to the toilet as if it were a person named Percy. The nurse, in turn, is scurrying around the hospital in search of the bathroom. This idiom is commonly used in medical contexts, as it is a delicate and polite way to express the urgency of a patient's concern.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "Point Percy at the porcelain" is a humorous and informal way to refer to the act of urinating. It is often used in a lighthearted or crude manner to talk about going to the bathroom.

    Origin of "Point Percy at the porcelain"

    The origin of the idiom "Point Percy at the porcelain" is not clear, but it likely originated as a playful and humorous way to talk about the act of urinating. The use of alliteration and the personification of "Percy" add to the whimsical nature of the phrase. It is often used in informal settings or among close friends as a light-hearted way to discuss the need to use the bathroom. While it may not be appropriate for formal or professional situations, it is a well-known and widely understood idiom in informal English language usage.