Spend a penny
Meaning: British euphemism for going to the toilet.
'Spend a penny' is an old-fashioned British euphemism for using the toilet. From when public toilets cost one penny. Now used humorously as quaint way of saying you need the loo.
Examples
- Excuse me, I need to spend a penny. 我需要上个厕所Necesito ir al servicioちょっとお手洗いに실례합니다, 화장실 좀 다녀와야겠어요.
- Where can one spend a penny around here? 不好意思，我得去一趟洗手间Disculpe, tengo que ir al servicioすみません、お手洗いに行かなくては이 근처에 화장실이 어디 있나요?
- Off to spend a penny. 我去一下洗手间Voy un momento al servicioちょっとお手洗いに行ってきます잠깐 화장실 좀 다녀올게요.
Pronunciation
/spɛnd ə ˈpɛni/
Usage Guide
Context: polite euphemism
Tone: humorous, old-fashioned
✓ Do Say
- Quaint way to say need toilet上厕所的古雅说法Forma anticuada y elegante de decir ir al bañoトイレに行きたいという上品な言い方화장실에 가고 싶다는 고풍스러운 표현
✗ Don't Say
- Sounds very old-fashioned现在已经很老式了Muy anticuado hoy en día現在ではとても古風매우 구식으로 들림
Common Mistakes
- Dated—mostly used humorously now
Origin & History
From when public toilets in Britain cost one penny to use—a coin was inserted to unlock the cubicle door. Though public toilets are mostly free now, the phrase survives as quaint euphemism.
Etymology: From penny locks on toilet doors
First recorded: Late 19th century
Cultural Context
Era: Late 19th century
Generation: Older generations
Social background: Universal
Pop culture: British period pieces
Regional notes: British. Old-fashioned/humorous.
Story & Trivia
Victorian public toilets charged one penny for entry. The Great Exhibition of 1851 had 827,280 visitors pay a penny each to use the facilities. The phrase 'spend a penny' became polite code that persisted long after the charge ended.
Variations
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