call of nature

Need the bathroom

A call of nature is the urge to urinate or defecate—a polite or humorous way of referring to bodily needs: Excuse me, I need to answer the call of nature.

The phrase treats biological necessity as something summoning you, requiring immediate response.

euphemism

bathroom

Room for hygiene

lavatoryRoom for bodily relief
looBritish slang for toilet
privyOutdoor toilet; informed

latrine · outhouse · powder room · water closet · facilities · comfort station · washroom · restroom · WC · john

bodily

bladder

Organ holding urine

bowelsLower digestive organs
urinationReleasing fluid waste
defecationExpulsion of feces

urge · necessity · relief · biological · physiological · involuntary · primal · instinct · pressure · urgency

discretion

privacy

Freedom from observation

modestyAbsence of vanity
tactfulSocially sensitive and careful
delicateEasily broken or harmed

polite · considerate · subtle · understated · hushed · discreet · excuse · propriety · etiquette · euphemistic

Opposites

bodily urge type

call of naturethirst

Need for fluid

hunger · appetite · hunger pangs · sleepiness · fatigue

urgency vs. relief

call of naturerelief

Easing of distress

satisfaction · comfort · ease

bodily necessity vs. bodily indifference

call of naturecontentment

Peaceful satisfaction with circumstances

Family

call, calls, called, calling, caller, callers, callback, nature, natures

Familiarity: Top 100,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G