Which came first, the definition of poop or the definition of a poop deck?

Asked by anartist (14808

) May 12th, 2010

It’s not as obvious as it looks; officers in the aft quarters would use chamber pots, while the enlisted had to hang their asses over the side of the bow near the bowsprit and hope this was not their last crap. That’s why they call it the “head.”
Also, when I was growing up. ‘poop’ meant fart. It wasn’t until I saw a Japanese children’s book called “Everybody Poops” that I realized it could mean shit.

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Well, I’ve never heard of a poop deck.

perspicacious (10982

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In naval architecture, a poop deck is a deck that forms the roof of a cabin built in the aft (rear) part of the superstructure of a ship.

anartist (14808

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The meaning of poop deck is in no way associated with bowel movements.

“The name came from the Middle English poupe, from the Latin puppim, meaning the rear section of a ship The word derived from the Latin Puppis, meaning a doll or small image, The Romans and other ancient seafaring peoples had a small sacred idol or image affixed to the stern, where the deity it represented could watch over the vessel.”

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marinelife (62485

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