Take a dump

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The phrase take a dump is mildly-vulgar slang describing the evacuation of excrement from the bowels through the anus. It derives primarily from one entry of the definition for the word dump, which is to “fling down or drop heavily or suddenly”.

[edit] Use in Popular Culture

Usage of the phrase, “take a dump,” can be traced as far back as 1971. [1] However, its frequency within popular culture has increased dramatically in recent years. [2] Perhaps the most common usage of the phrase “take a dump” in popular culture is in comparison of two extremes. The repulsive act of defecating is contrasted with something pleasant. Such contrast can be used to elevate something ugly, such as Gunnery Sergeant Hartman’s statement in the film Full Metal Jacket: “I want that head so sanitary and squared-away that the Virgin Mary herself would be proud to go in and take a dump.”

On the other hand, this contrast of two extremes serves as a degradation.

In the film Tommy Boy, Chris Farley (as Tommy) debased the idea of guarantees when he said, “Hey, if you want me to take a dump in a box and mark it guaranteed, I will.”

“Take a dump” is also used for mild shock value in an attempt to define a character. Upon using the phrase, the audience immediately determines that a character is a little rough around the edges, even if the character is otherwise likable.

One notable example is Admiral Painter’s (played by former Senator Fred Thompson), statement in The Hunt for Red October: “Russians don’t take a dump, son, without a plan.”

The 1986 film Maximum Overdrive featured Laura Harrington as Brett saying, “If you don't get your hand off my leg, you're going to be wiping your ass with a hook next time you take a dump.”

The 1990 film, Look Who's Talking Too features the following exchange between James (John Travolta), Molly (Kirstie Alley), and Mikey (voiced by Bruce Willis):

James Ubriacco: When you wanna take a pee-pee, okay, you do it in here and you just do this, you take it out.
Pretends to unzip his fly
Mollie Ubriacco: Oh come on.
James Ubriacco: What?
Mikey: Dad, who's kidding who huh?
James Ubriacco: And the same token, when you wanna take a dump.
Mollie Ubriacco: Poo-poo.
Mikey: This is a joke right?
James Ubriacco: I know it sounds disgusting Mike but you know you gotta trust me on this okay.
Mikey: Let me get this straight—you want me to take a dump outside my diaper?

Tremors, also in 1990, features Michael Gross as Burt Gummer saying, “No tracks, no sign, no spoor. You'd think after eating all those sheep, they'd have to take a dump someplace.”

In the 1992 film Glengarry Glen Ross, Ricky Roma, played by Al Pacino, asks, “You ever take a dump made you feel like you'd just slept for twelve hours?”

In 1998, actress Angelina Jolie, as Joan in the film Playing By Heart, says, “Some girls like you to take a dump on them. I'm neither one of those girls.”

Nicolas Cage, as Jack in the 2000 film, The Family Man, says, “If you could take a dump sometime this century, then we could go home where it's warm.”

In the 2001 film, Six Feet Under, Nate, played by Peter Krause, is surprised. “I have a huge respect for human life. I just didn't know they could take a dump when they're dead.”

Not Another Teen Movie, also in 2001, featured Mia Kirshner as Catherine saying, “Oh no, Jake! Way too much information would be telling you that whenever they're done I always take a huge dump.”

Spinner Dunn, played by Michael Rispoli in the 2002 film, Death To Smoochy, calls out in a crowded restaurant, “Okay, I'm gonna go take a dump!”

In the 2005 film, Doom, Corporal Dean Portman, played by Richard Brake, says, “I gotta take a dump.”

P. Diddy, on Chappelle's Show in 2003, was heard to say, “If I had my way, I'd never work. I'd just stay home all day, watch Scarface 50 times, eat a turkey sandwich, and have sex all...day. Then I'd dress up like a clown, and surprise kids at schools. Then I'd take a dump in the back of a movie theater, and just wait until somebody sat in it. Hear it squish. That's funny to me. Then I'd paint, and read, and play violin. I'd climb the mountains, and sing the songs that I like to sing. But I don't got that kinda time.”

The phrase is used less commonly as an insult. In some cases, it suggests that someone is flawed because they cannot hold their bowels. The film Napoleon Dynamite uses this insult when Napoleon asks, “Hey, Don, did you take a dump in your bed last night?”

The insult is also used to indicate that another person is contemptible. For example, Gilbert Godfried in a roast of Dennis Leary, speaking as Dennis’ Irish wolfhound, Clancy, said, “You know, if you want to enjoy your Dennis Leary comedy album, do what I do everything morning—get out your copy, and take a gigantic dump on it!”

The phrase “take a dump” is even found in non-American cultures. A Honduran proverb states: Andas tirándote pedos, pero nunca cagas. Translation: You fart, but you never take a dump.

Even animation makes use of “take a dump.”

In one episode of South Park, Eric Cartman was heard to say, “You know that feeling you get when you take a huge dump? Awesome.”

In the Beavis and Butt-Head episode, Beavis and Butt-Head Do Christmas, Santa Butt-Head says, “Well, Brian, if you want poop for Christmas, Santa Butt-Head would be happy to come by and take a dump under your tree.”

On The Family Guy, an attempt by character Brian Griffin to comfort baby Stewie Griffin results in the following exchange:

Brian Griffin: Want to go get an ice cream? Will that make you feel better?
Stewie just shakes his head
Brian Griffin: Want to get some McDonald's?
Stewie just shakes his head
Brian Griffin: Want to go take a dump in Mother Maggie's shoes?
Stewie nods his head
Brian Griffin: Alright, let's take a dump in Mother Maggie's shoes.

The character Brock, in the animated series The Venture Bros. once exclaimed, “It means Dr. Orpheus had to take a dump. So nice job. Case closed.”

The animated series The Boondocks once featured character White Shadow saying, “And I wasn’t actually in the bathroom taking a dump. That brother of yours is a hoot.”

British comedy uses the phrase extensively. For instance, British comedian Steve Coogan, in portraying character Alan Partridge, stated, “I do like that toilet. It's very futuristic, isn't it? … I can imagine Buck Rogers taking a dump on that.”