Today, let’s explore the curious origins of the phrases “number one” and “number two” when referring to urination and defecation. The exact reason for this terminology remains a mystery, with various theories attempting to explain its emergence. One popular but unverified theory suggests that the practice originated in American classrooms in the 1960s, where children were instructed to raise a certain number of fingers to indicate their bathroom needs. This supposed method aimed to help teachers estimate the time required for each student’s break. Despite gaining popularity in the 1970s, the phrases “number one” and “number two” have actually been in use since the 1880s. Other speculative theories include the simplicity of the numbers 1 and 2, the rhyme between “2” and “poo,” or the idea that urination involves only one action while defecation may involve two. Ultimately, the true origin of these terms remains uncertain.
