Someone recently posted something on X about their MC being a werewolf, and part of the transformation is a fart being released as their organs shift. I don’t have the link, sorry. But I thought that was a cool idea. Perhaps a police officer arrives right after a grizzly murder takes place and smells flatulence gas. That person just happens to joke about it to a detective who is in-the-know about people with lycanthropy. They now have a clue who commited the savage crime. I like that idea! It got me thinking about the place bodily functions, that polite society pretend don’t exist, can fit into a story.
This subject has consistently managed to make most of us chuckle, cringe, and occasionally question the boundaries of taste: potty humor. Often dismissed as juvenile or low-brow, potty humor has a unique place in contemporary books, offering a refreshing break from the serious and sometimes stuffy world of high literature.
Let’s dive into the delightfully crass and explore why potty humor deserves a place in our stories.
The Universal Appeal
Everybody poops and farts.
Potty humor, with its focus on bodily functions and their often hilarious mishaps, has a universal appeal that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers. Whether you’re in Tokyo or Timbuktu, the sound of a fart or the sight of a clumsy toilet mishap is hilarious — as long as it happens to someone else. This universality makes it a powerful tool for authors seeking to connect with a diverse readership.
Appreciation of potty humor is much like how people view dogs; you should not trust anyone who dislikes either one.
Breaking the Ice (wind?)
In a world where social norms and political correctness can sometimes stifle genuine laughter, potty humor serves as a welcome relief. It’s a quick way to break the ice, especially in scenes that might otherwise be tense or awkward. Imagine a character who, in the midst of a high-stakes negotiation, lets out an unexpected toot. Suddenly, the tension is broken, and the reader is left chuckling, ready to dive back into the story with a lighter heart.
Character Development
Believe it or not, potty humor can also play a crucial role in character development. A character’s reaction to a sudden bout of diarrhea or a sudden fart can reveal a lot about their personality. Are they the type to laugh it off, or do they become flustered and embarrassed? These moments can offer insights into a character’s maturity, resilience, and even their sense of self-worth.
The way a character reacts when someone else has a mishap is also a great way to show what kind of person they are. Do they point and laugh? Try and ignore it?
Cultural Commentary
Potty humor isn’t just about the giggles; it can also serve as a form of social commentary. In a society that often shies away from discussing bodily functions, potty humor can challenge our perceptions and encourage us to embrace our more… natural sides. It can highlight the absurdities of our social norms and the ways in which we often overcomplicate simple, natural processes.
The Art of the Unexpected
One of the most effective uses of potty humor in modern fiction is its ability to catch readers off guard. In a story that’s building towards a dramatic climax, a well-timed fart joke can provide a surprising and much-needed break from the tension. It’s a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there’s always room for a bit of levity.
Not Just a Guy or Kid Thing
There’s a common misconception that potty humor is a male-dominated domain, that women are somehow above such crass and juvenile humor. But nothing could be further from the truth. Women have been making contributions to the world of potty humor for years, both as writers and comedians.
In a basic way, it is an age thing. Anyone who has been around babies for any length of time notices the way they can maintain eye contact while they fill their diaper. Their face turn red as they strain, with a big smile at the end. Then, as they get a little older, they may go off by themselves to push out a dookie. That is when the potty humor part of the brain, along with shame, has developed. From that moment on, you can make almost any little kid laugh with fart noises. It still works on me.
Examples in Modern Fiction
Let’s take a look at a few examples of modern fiction that have successfully incorporated potty humor:
- “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams: This classic series is filled with witty and often crass humor, including a memorable scene involving a character’s unfortunate encounter with a “Vogon poetry recital.” By the way, this has become a thing in the real world. It’s just as bad on Earth.
- “Bridget Jones’s Diary” by Helen Fielding: Bridget’s misadventures often include awkward and embarrassing moments, such as her infamous “fart in the lift” incident, which adds a layer of relatability to her character.
- “The Martian” by Andy Weir: While primarily a science fiction novel, “The Martian” includes several moments of potty humor, such as the protagonist’s creative use of a bag to collect his waste in space.
Conclusion
Potty humor, with its ability to make us laugh, break tension, and offer insights into character and society, is a valuable tool in the modern fiction writer’s toolkit. It reminds us that life is messy, unpredictable, and often hilarious. So, the next time you come across a well-placed fart joke or a character’s unfortunate bathroom mishap, take a moment to appreciate the artistry behind it. After all, in a world full of serious literature, a little potty humor can go a long way.
