Taking the Piss: What the Phrase Means & How to Use It

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Learn the origins & meanings of “taking the piss”

Co-authored by Aimee Payne, MFA Reviewed by Candace Gasper

Last Updated: July 13, 2024 Fact Checked

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What does “Taking the Piss” mean?

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How to Use “Taking the Piss”

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Origins of “Taking the Piss”

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Alternatives to “Taking the Piss”

Have you ever been confused by someone using the phrase “taking the piss” when they weren’t heading to the bathroom? “Taking the piss” is a bit of British slang that generally means teasing or making fun of someone. However, there are a few different ways you can use this term in conversation. Read on to learn more about where this term comes from, its variations, and how you can sound natural when dropping it into your next conversation.

“Taking the Piss” Meaning

“Taking the piss” out of someone refers to mocking or teasing them, as in, “I took the piss out of him.” You can also use it to let someone know you’re joking with them. For example, “Don’t worry. I was just taking the piss.” Additionally, it describes someone who’s being annoying. “Ugh, he’s just taking the piss.”

Section 1 of 4:

What does “Taking the Piss” mean?

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“Taking the piss” is casual British slang that means teasing or joking. This slang is used in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa. Many use it as a sarcastic and lighthearted phrase that refers to teasing or messing with someone.^{[1]
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Research source} While it’s usually not meant to cause offense, some people find it mildly offensive profanity.
- A variation on the term is that it can be used as an expression of disbelief similar to the phrase, “Are you kidding me?”
- It can also be used to let someone know that you’re joking, as in “I was just taking the piss.”
- A similar phrase commonly used in the UK is “taking the Mickey” or “taking the mick.”^{[2]
  X
  Research source} The meaning and usage is identical to “taking the piss.”

Section 2 of 4:

How to Use “Taking the Piss”

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Use “taking the piss” to mock or tease another person. In this context, you’ll usually hear people say they are taking the piss out of someone. Say it when you want to describe a friendly ribbing or setdown, depending on the context.^{[3]
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Research source} It’s almost always a form of sarcasm.
- Harry showed up at my house the other day and drank all my beer, so I made a point of taking the piss out of him before he left.
- Kelsey got a little snippy with me after class, so I had to take the piss out of her before I would give her a ride home.
- George tried to tell me how to play the piano last week, so I had to take the piss out of him a little by sitting down and playing the “Maple Leaf Rag.”
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Describe a person who’s being annoying or unfair as “taking the piss.” Instead of taking the piss out of someone, the speaker is calling out someone or something being a nuisance.^{[4]
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Research source} In this instance, use “taking the piss” in the form of a question to express disbelief. Ask if another person is joking with you.^{[5]
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Research source}
- You got here 45 minutes late, and you’re worried about missing the beginning of the movie? Are you taking the piss?
- I swear I talked to you yesterday. Either I’ve completely lost my mind, or you’re taking the piss.
- That chair costs $3,000? Someone’s taking the piss.
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Let someone know you’re not serious by saying, “I was taking the piss.” Use “taking the piss” as a way to soften an unintentionally harsh comment or let a friend in on the teasing in much the same way you would use the expression, “I was only joking.”^{[6]
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Research source} Please note that even in this context, “taking the piss” is still a very casual phrase that many consider to be rude or offensive.
- I didn’t mean you really looked knackered, I was only taking the piss.
- I’m just taking the piss! I’m not actually moving to Katmandu.

Section 3 of 4:

Origins of “Taking the Piss”

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There are a few theories regarding the origins of “taking the piss.” Some believe “taking the piss” came from the men who transported urine or collected it to make gunpowder. Others believe it is related to the slang term “piss-proud.” Neither of these has been confirmed.
- In the 1600s, King Charles I ordered his subjects to save their urine to make saltpeter (or sodium nitrate), one of three main components used to make gunpowder. Saltpeter men collected the urine as well as urine-soaked earth in barns and sheep pens.^{[7]
  X
  Research source}
- Whether for making gunpowder or curing leather, urine was a valuable resource. Ship captains used it as ballast in the hulls of their ships and sold it when they reached port. Some say the sailors on those ships would lie about their cargo and others would accuse them of “taking the piss.”
- The most likely origin for “taking the piss out of someone” comes from the slang term “piss-proud” which means “unnecessarily arrogant.” To take the piss out of someone means to cut them down to size.^{[8]
  X
  Research source}

Section 4 of 4:

Alternatives to “Taking the Piss”

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There are inoffensive alternatives you can use instead of “take the piss.” While “take the piss” is extremely common in the UK, it might confuse people if you use it in the US due to its similarity to “taking a piss,” which is American slang for urinating. Also, “take the piss” can be seen as offensive or rude, depending on who you say it to.
- If you want to refer to ridiculing or teasing someone, use:
  - I brought them down a peg or two.
  - I took them down a notch.
  - I cut them down to size.
  - I put them in their place.
- If you want to express disbelief, say:
  - Are you kidding me?
  - Are you having a laugh?
  - Are you trolling me?
  - Are you putting me on?
- When you want to tell someone that you were joking, try:
  - I was only pulling your leg.
  - I was just goofing around.
  - Just kidding!
  - I’m only fooling with you.