The word crap is actually another word that's very, very…
“The word crap is actually another word that's very, very old. It was taken over from 17th century England by the pilgrim fathers and Americans were talking about things being crap in the 17th and 18th centuries. What Sir Thomas Crapper – complete coincidence – does is not invent the flushing toilet, as many, many people believe, but was a great promoter for it. He ran a business marketing other people's products and that's why his name was on them. When the American soldiers came over in the First World War, they all thought it was hilarious that it said 'crapper' on them.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The term “crap” and the name “Crapper” have historic roots unrelated to modern toilet invention; marketing and language evolve oddly.
In simple terms: Old words and names often get mis‑attributed.
Key Takeaway
Beware of popular myths.
Themes
history
language
misconception
Mood
curious
informative
Type
educational
historical
When to use this quote
- everyday conversation
- historical research
- marketing analysis
Key Concepts
etymology
branding
cultural transmission
Questions to Reflect On
- What other common terms have surprising origins?
- How does branding shape product perception?
A Different Perspective
Myths can persist despite evidence.