Beast with two backs

Making the beast with two backs is a euphemistic metaphor for two persons engaged in sexual intercourse. It refers to the situation in which a couple—in the missionary position or standing—cling to each other as if a single creature, with their backs to the outside.

In English, the expression dates back to at least William Shakespeare's Othello (Act 1, Scene 1, ll. 126-127):[1]

I am one, sir, that comes to tell you your daughter and the Moor are now making the beast with two backs.

The origin of the phrase is in French: la bête à deux dos, because it appears in Rabelais' Gargantua and Pantagruel, c. 1532. This was translated into English by Thomas Urquhart and published posthumously around 1693.[2] In contrast, it is believed that Othello was written by Shakespeare in approximately 1603.

In the vigour of his age he married Gargamelle, daughter to the King of the Parpaillons, a jolly pug, and well-mouthed wench. These two did oftentimes do the two-backed beast together, joyfully rubbing and frotting their bacon 'gainst one another.

See also

References

  1. ↑
  2. ↑ Gary Martin. "Beast with two backs". Phrases.org.uk. Retrieved 2013-12-09.

External links

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