phrases, sayings, idioms and expressions at

Backdoor trots

Posted by RRC on March 28, 2007

In Reply to: Backdoor trots posted by ESC on March 28, 2007

: : Hi, a friend of mine has just used the saying : 'backdoor trots'. I undertsand what it means but where did the saying come from?

: Outhouses or privies are located outside in back of the house, usually.

etymonline says "the trots" for diarrhea is recorded as far back as 1808. It is a play on "the runs". Backdoor (whether this refers to outsides or backsides) adds emphasis (and makes it clear you're not talking about horses running).

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