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The phrase cut the cheese is a well-known idiom that originated in the United States. It is used to refer to the act of flatulence or passing intestinal gas, and is often expressed as the question Who cut the cheese? when someone detects an unpleasant odour. The phrase is believed to have originated in the late 1950s to 1970s, although the use of the word cut in reference to flatulence dates back to the late 1800s. The association between cutting cheese and flatulence is attributed to the strong odour that can be released when cutting into certain pungent varieties of cheese, such as Limburger.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meaning | To fart or expel intestinal gases |
| Origin | The phrase originated in the late 1950s or 1960s, from the association of the strong odour of cutting into certain types of cheese and the smell of flatulence |
| Usage | The phrase is primarily used in American English |
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What You'll Learn
The origin of the phrase
The phrase likely gained popularity due to the comparison between the act of cutting into a pungent variety of cheese and releasing its strong odour, and the act of flatulence, which can also result in a sudden and strong smell. This comparison is especially relevant when applied to certain types of cheese known for their potent fragrance, such as Limburger cheese.
The phrase is believed to have originated in the United States, with some sources citing its first appearance in the late 1950s or 1960s. However, it is important to note that the usage of the word "cut" in this context has been around since the late 19th century.
While the phrase is well-known in American slang, it is not commonly used in other English-speaking countries, such as the United Kingdom or Australia. In French-speaking cultures, for example, a different idiom is used to refer to flatulence, demonstrating the unique cultural nuances that exist around the world when it comes to this universal human experience.
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Why 'cheese' was used
The phrase "cut the cheese" is used to refer to the act of flatulence, or passing gas. The phrase is believed to have originated in the United States, with the word ""cut" being used in this context since the late 1800s to refer to expelling intestinal gas. The phrase "cut the cheese" specifically is thought to have come into use in the late 1960s, according to the Dictionary of American Regional English.
So, why was cheese used in this phrase? The most likely explanation is that the phrase refers to the strong odour that is released when cutting into certain pungent varieties of cheese. Some cheeses, like Limburger, are known for their potent fragrance. When the rind of these cheeses is cut, it can cause the cheese to release its natural odour, diffusing the smell over a broader area. In the same way, flatulence can cause a smelly odour to suddenly broadcast over a wide area. Therefore, the phrase "cut the cheese" was likely coined to refer to the act of passing gas, due to the similar smell-diffusing effects of cutting into a block of strong-smelling cheese.
It is worth noting that not all cheeses are particularly odorous, and some may even be described as having minimal flavour and smell. For example, Kraft American cheese slices, mozzarella sticks, cream cheese, and cheddar cubes are all said to have little to no smell. However, this does not detract from the fact that certain cheeses are known for their strong odours, which is likely the connection that led to the creation of this phrase.
Additionally, the word ""cheesy" can be used figuratively to refer to anything that smells bad, further strengthening the association between cheese and unpleasant odours. While the French, for example, do not reference cheese when they smell a fart, instead asking who let in the dog, the English language has adopted this unique idiom that compares flatulence to cutting into a block of cheese.
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Why 'cut' was used
The phrase "cut the cheese" is used to refer to the act of flatulence, or passing intestinal gas. The phrase is believed to have originated in the United States, with the word "cut" being used in this context since the late 1800s to refer to the act of flatulence. The phrase "cut the cheese" specifically is thought to have come into use in the 1950s or 1960s.
The reason for using the word "cut" in relation to flatulence may be due to the idea of something being severed or released, as in "cutting a check" or "cutting ties". In the case of flatulence, it could refer to the release of intestinal gas.
The use of the word "cheese" in the phrase is likely due to the strong odour that is often associated with it. Some cheeses, like Limburger, are known for their potent fragrance. When the rind of a strong-smelling cheese is cut, it can cause the odour to diffuse over a broader area. Thus, the act of cutting a smelly cheese was compared to flatulence, as both can suddenly release a strong odour.
Additionally, the adjective "cheesy" can be used figuratively to describe something that smells bad. So, the phrase "cut the cheese" could also be interpreted as "cutting through" or releasing a bad smell.
While the phrase "cut the cheese" is commonly used in American slang, other cultures have their own unique phrases to refer to flatulence. For example, the French phrase "Qui a lâché Médor?" translates to "Who let in the dog?", indicating that the smell of flatulence is akin to the odour of a dog.
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The phrase's usage
The phrase "cut the cheese" is used to refer to the act of flatulence, or to fart. The phrase is believed to have originated in the late 1960s, although some sources place its emergence in the 1950s or between 1965 and 1970. The phrase is primarily used in American English, although it may be understood in other varieties of English as well.
The usage of the phrase "cut the cheese" is quite straightforward and is often used in a humorous or lighthearted context. When someone passes gas, either audibly or with a noticeable odour, one might say, "Who cut the cheese?" This phrase is often exclaimed in response to a fart, indicating surprise or curiosity about the source of the flatulence. The phrase is meant to be playful and is often used among friends or family members.
The phrase can also be used in a more indirect or subtle way. For example, if someone is accused of flatulence, they might deny it and say, "Not me, who cut the cheese?" This usage implies that the speaker is not responsible for the odour and is inquiring about the culprit. This usage adds a layer of humour by feigning ignorance and shifting the blame elsewhere.
In certain contexts, the phrase can be used as a euphemism for flatulence, especially in more polite or formal settings. For instance, if someone needs to excuse themselves from a room after passing gas, they might say, "Excuse me, I need to cut the cheese." This usage allows the speaker to address the act discreetly and with a degree of politeness.
While the phrase is most commonly associated with humour and lightheartedness, it can also be used in a negative or critical context. For example, if someone finds the odour of flatulence particularly offensive, they might say, "Who cut the cheese? That's disgusting!" This usage conveys disapproval and emphasizes the unpleasant aspect of the odour.
Overall, the phrase "cut the cheese" is a colourful and playful addition to the lexicon of flatulence-related expressions. Its usage ranges from humorous inquiries to subtle euphemisms, adding a layer of wit and subtlety to an otherwise crude topic.
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The phrase in other languages
The phrase "cut the cheese" is an idiom that originated in the late 1800s and is used to refer to the act of flatulence or "expelling intestinal gases". The phrase is believed to have been derived from the word ""cut", which has been used in various phrases to describe flatulence since the 19th century. While the exact origin of the phrase is unknown, it is said to be related to the notion that flatulence often has an unpleasant odour, similar to that of strong-smelling cheeses.
Given the embarrassing nature of the act it refers to, it is not surprising that there are no direct translations of the phrase "cut the cheese" in other languages. However, it is possible to explore how different languages describe the act of flatulence, which may provide some insight into how the phrase could be conveyed in a similar manner in other linguistic contexts.
In Spanish, the phrase "tirar un pedo" literally means "to throw a fart". In French, the phrase "péter un coup" translates to "to fart a little". Similarly, in German, "furzen" simply means "to fart". These phrases all directly refer to the action of passing gas, without the colourful cheese-related metaphor present in the English idiom.
In some other languages, more creative and less explicit phrases are used to describe flatulence. For instance, in Italian, one might say "scappa il vento," which means "the wind escapes". In Russian, "пускать ветры" ("puskhat' vetry") translates to "letting out the winds". These phrases provide a more subtle way of referring to the same bodily function, using euphemisms that are perhaps less embarrassing than the more direct translations.
While the phrase "cut the cheese" may not have a direct equivalent in other languages, the act of flatulence is universally understood and often humourously referenced in various cultural contexts. These alternative phrases from different languages showcase the diverse ways in which people around the world have approached the delicate topic of intestinal gas release, each with their own unique linguistic nuances and creative expressions.
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Frequently asked questions
"Cut the cheese" is a slang phrase that means to fart or expel intestinal gases.
The phrase "cut the cheese" was coined because some cheeses are very smelly, like Limburger, which causes their odour to spread when sliced. Eventually, "cutting the cheese" was used figuratively to refer to flatulence, as a fart can also cause a strong smell to suddenly spread over a wide area.
The word "cut" has been used in the context of flatulence since the late 1800s. "Cut the cheese" appeared either in the 1950s or between 1965-1970, according to various sources.
