take a crap

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "take a crap" is correct and usable in written English, though it is informal and somewhat vulgar.
It can be used in casual conversations or informal writing when referring to the act of defecating. Example: "I really need to take a crap before we head out for the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

They say, 'We should think about leaving, huh?,' and we politely look away, like they've just decided to take a crap on the dinner table.

The New Yorker

"If you had to take a crap or something in the bathroom, we had to stop the session until you got through," he says in a taped interview from 2015.

The New Yorker

Barack Obama can't so much as take a crap without asking special interests for permission.

Huffington Post

You don't take a crap in the street and eat it.

Vice

This might be a tough one, but you gotta trust me: Take a crap in the tub.

Huffington Post

The haze of sickness was dotted with awkward moments like when the nurse wheeled a port-o-potty into his hospital room, and this grown man had to take a crap in front of his sister.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"I really hate it when an 800lb gorilla like Science takes a crap in my swimming pool," he said.

The Guardian

He took a short walk with Piet, and once the dog had disappeared into the bushes and taken a crap he took him home again.

The Guardian - Books

Skiing in Klosters, while the public sector burns, on the other hand, is the cultural equivalent of taking a crap on a big pile of money and then waving it in people's faces.

The Guardian - Opinion

There are more comics-related TV shows on the way, with DC's Supergirl and Teen Titans the latest to be announced, but the major networks have been curiously slow to snap up Image Comics' Southern Bastards, where the opening page features a mangy dog taking a crap.

The Guardian - Books

They'd only let me out to see their holy monuments: 'Kim Il Sung sat here, Kim Il Sung gazed over this valley, Kim Il Sung took a crap here.'" Salas balked and hopped the next plane back to Havana.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "take a crap" only in informal settings or when aiming for a deliberately vulgar or humorous effect. In professional or formal communication, opt for more neutral terms like "use the restroom" or "defecate".

Common error

Avoid using "take a crap" in formal writing or professional communication, as it can be considered offensive or disrespectful. Choose a more appropriate alternative depending on context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "take a crap" functions as a verb phrase. It describes the act of defecation, often used in informal contexts. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable, though it's informal and somewhat vulgar.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "take a crap" is a grammatically correct but vulgar verb phrase used to describe defecation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's acceptable in informal settings but inappropriate for formal or professional contexts. The examples provided by Ludwig highlight its usage primarily in news and media sources, often for narrative or humorous effect. When a more formal tone is required, alternatives like "use the restroom" or "defecate" are more suitable choices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take a dump

A more vulgar synonym of "take a crap".

do number two

A childish term for defecating.

defecate

A more formal and clinical term for the same action.

go to the bathroom

A euphemistic and general way to indicate the need to use the toilet.

move bowels

A medical term describing the process of expelling waste.

empty bowels

Expresses the act of releasing fecal matter from the body.

relieve oneself

A polite way to express the need to use the toilet.

drop the kids off at the pool

A humorous idiom for defecating.

pinch a loaf

A slang term for defecating.

void excrement

A very formal and clinical term for defecation.

FAQs

What does "take a crap" mean?

The phrase "take a crap" is a vulgar idiom that means to defecate or to empty one's bowels. It's a crude way of saying someone is using the toilet to pass stool.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "take a crap"?

This phrase is only appropriate in very informal settings, like casual conversations with close friends, where vulgar language is acceptable. It's best to avoid this phrase in professional, academic, or polite social situations.

What can I say instead of "take a crap"?

You can use alternatives like "use the restroom", "go to the bathroom", "defecate", or "move one's bowels" depending on the level of formality required.

Is "take a crap" grammatically correct?

Yes, the phrase "take a crap" is grammatically correct, but it's important to recognize that it is a vulgar expression. While grammatically sound, it is not suitable for all contexts.