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When was poop first used?

Published in Etymology 2 mins read

The question "When was poop first used?" is a bit ambiguous. It could refer to when the word "poop" was first used or when fecal matter was first used by humans or other creatures. Based on the reference provided, we can answer the question about the first known use of the word "poop."

First Known Use of the Word "Poop"

According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the earliest recorded use of the word "poop" is from the Middle English period (1150-1500). Specifically, the OED's earliest evidence for "poop" is from 1440 in Promptorium Parvulorum. It's also documented as a verb during the same Middle English period. This makes it clear that the word "poop" has a history dating back hundreds of years, though pinpointing the exact first time it was ever spoken is impossible.

Breakdown of Information

Here's a table summarizing the information:

Aspect Details
Word poop
Earliest Known Use 1440 (in Promptorium Parvulorum)
Period Middle English period (1150—1500)
Usage Noun and Verb
Reference Oxford English Dictionary (OED)
Origin Multiple Origins (reference does not list origins)

Important Considerations

  • Ambiguity: It's essential to distinguish between the use of the word "poop" and the use of fecal matter. The provided reference only addresses the word.
  • Language Evolution: Language evolves constantly. While 1440 marks the earliest written record, the word might have been in spoken use before that time.

Conclusion

The word "poop" was first used in the Middle English period, with the earliest written record dating to 1440. The reference provided does not address when fecal matter itself was first used.

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