spend a penny
English
United Kingdom
Expression
USED
On Occasion
BY
Older Generations
Euphemism meaning "to go to the bathroom", originating from a time when public toilets charged one penny. It is used mostly by women, as men's urinals were free to use.
"I'll be back in a minute, just going to spend a penny."
Submitted July 2020
by annawarnaby
Confirmed by 9 people
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<h2>spend a penny</h2>
<p>Euphemism meaning "to go to the bathroom", originating from a time when public toilets charged one penny. It is used mostly by women, as men's urinals were free to use. </p>