Don't drop the soap

Posted by ESC on September 09, 2002

In Reply to: Don't drop the soap posted by skye on September 08, 2002

: : : I have a friend who insists that a particular scene in the movie "Escape from Alcatraz" starring Clint Eastwood is in fact the origin of the (creepy) phrase "Pick up the Soap". Is this true?

: : There is a cautionary tale about how a male prisoner should be careful not to drop the soap in a communal shower. Picking it up leaves him in a vulnerable position. I don't know if the origin is that movie or real life.

: Thanks for your reply. Indeed, I've heard this "cautionary tale" regarding prison life as well. The scene I mentioned is in fact a depiction of exactly that scenario. Was just wondering if the movie scene originated the tale or vice versa. Thanks again for your reply.

I can't answer that. When was the movie made? Homosexual rape (or any kind of rape) wasn't discussed openly until recent years. So the phrase probably is relatively new.