I bet you don’t know the origin of the “S” word. You know, the word that is banned from television and radio in the USA, but which is commonplace in just about every other country in the world, where they aren’t so prudish.
The “S” word! Another name for Poop! Taking a Dump! Defacating!
Oh never mind, but I am pretty sure you don’t know how this word (that you aren’t allowed to say in public – it’s a bit like saying “Jehovah“) originated. Well, continue reading friend and you shall be enlightened. Here at The Laughline we know a lot of trivial shi** (Oops, nearly said it!).
In the 16th and 17th centuries, ancient history to most Americans, but just like yesterday to the rest of the world, everything had to be transported by ship.
This was before the railways were invented, and it was also before commercial fertilizer’s invention, so it was commonplace for large shipments of manure to be shipped from one place to another by sea.
The manure was shipped dry, because in dry form it weighed a lot less than when wet. However, once water (at sea) hit it, it not only became heavier, but the process of fermentation began again. Now, a by product of this fermentation is methane gas. As the stuff was stored below decks in bundles, you can imagine what could (and did) happen.
Methane began to build up below decks and the first time someone came below at night with a lantern, BOOOOOM!
Several ships were destroyed in this manner, before it was determined just what was happening.
After this, the bundles of manure were always stamped with the term “Ship High In Transit” on them, which meant for the sailors to stow it high enough off the lower decks, so that any water that came into the hold would not touch this volatile cargo and start the production of methane.
This is how the term “S.H.I.T”, (Ship High In Transport) evolved, a term which has come down through the centuries and is in use to this very day.
You probably did not know the true history of this word.
Neither did I.
I had always thought it was a golf term.
Note: Actually, I don’t believe there is any truth to this story. I think it’s just a load of s***!
Image used under a Collective Commons License from https://pixabay.com/photos/horse-apples-horse-manure-nature-3369389/
