Manure... An interesting fact
Manure : In the 16th and 17th centuries, everything had to be transported by ship and it was also before the invention of commercial fertilizers, so large shipments of manure were quite common. It was shipped dry, because in dry form it weighed a lot less than when wet, but once water (at sea) hit it, not only did it become heavier, but the process of fermentation began again, of which a by product is methane gas of course. As the stuff was stored below decks in bundles you can see what could (and did) happen.
Methane began to build up below decks and the first time someone came below at night with a lantern, BOOOOM!
Several ships were destroyed in this manner before it was determined just what was happening
After that, the bundles of manure were always stamped with the instruction ' Stow high in transit ' on them, which meant for the sailors to stow it high enough off the lower decks so that any water that came into the hold would not touch this volatile cargo and start the production of methane.
Thus evolved the term ' S.H.I.T ' , (Stow High In Transit) which has come down through the centuries and is in use to this very day.
You probably did not know the true history of this word. Neither did I.
I had always thought it was a term used when you forgot your spouses' birthday.
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I once read something about the last words of people involved in catastrophes, in particular pilots. According to the study, most people say one of two things before the event happens. One is "Oh God!" and the other is "Oh ----!"
I also like the one about FUCK (file under carnal knowledge). but i can't remember how that particular legend goes.
Thank you.
Didn't know this about origin.
As the first mention in print is the mid 17 century and the word (as well as "shite") has been around for at least a thousand years it seems a highly unlikely derivation. I'm sure students sit around making up preposterous explanations ...P.O.S.H. is another (Port Out Starboard Home)
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