go to the bathroom
Use the toilet
Go to the bathroom is a common euphemism for urinating or defecating.
The phrase avoids direct mention of bodily functions: Excuse me, I need to go to the bathroom.
It applies regardless of whether an actual bathroom is involved—someone might go to the bathroom behind a tree.
Children often use it to request permission: Can I go to the bathroom?
- urinateExpel bodily fluid
- toiletWaste disposal fixture
- defecateExpel waste from bowels
- relieve oneselfExpel bodily waste
- answer the callRespond when summoned
nature calls · privy · lavatory · water closet · little boys room · little girls room · bowel movement · use the toilet · excretion · loo · bladder · stall · euphemism · pee · flush · spend a penny · bidet · micturate