pay the duck

UK slang
verb
/peɪ ðə dʌk/

Definition:
To defecate; to take a poo. Used humorously or euphemistically, especially when excusing oneself discreetly.

Origins:
Originates from British pub or working-class slang. The phrase plays on the absurdity of “paying” a duck as a metaphor for relieving oneself, possibly referencing the awkward or transactional nature of excusing oneself to use the toilet.
"Back in a minute, mate — gotta pay the duck."

"Don't go in there just yet. I just paid the duck, and it wasn't cheap."

"Three pints of bitter and a curry later, I had to pay the duck like my life depended on it."
by paytheduck May 01, 2025
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