pissing

pissing — verb

1. to release waste liquid from the body through the penis or vagina, using a word

1.verbintransitiveB2
Definition

to release waste liquid from the body through the penis or vagina, using a word that most people consider rude or impolite

Example

A drunk man was pissing against the wall behind the bar.

piss + preposition (against) for location

Tuan ran to the toilet because he really needed to piss.

intransitive — no object needed

Common collocations
  • piss in/on/against something
  • need to piss
  • go for a piss
Synonyms
  • urinate

    formal or medical term; the only polite choice in professional or public contexts

  • pee

    child-friendly or casual euphemism; not considered offensive

  • wee

    chiefly British, child-friendly; even milder than 'pee'

  • take a leak

    informal slang, but less offensive than 'piss'; common in casual conversation

Grammar Patterns

piss + preposition (in/on/against/into)

Usage Note

This word is considered vulgar and offensive in many social situations. In polite conversation, use 'urinate' (formal/medical), 'go to the toilet', or 'pee' (child-friendly or casual). The noun form 'a piss' (e.g. 'have a piss', 'go for a piss') is equally vulgar.

Common Mistakes

I need to piss' (said to a boss or stranger).
I need to use the restroom.
'piss' is too rude for formal or public situations; choose a neutral or polite alternative.
I pissed at the toilet' (location error).
I pissed in the toilet.' or 'He pissed against the wall.
use the correct preposition for the target surface.

2. to lose control of your bladder and release urine into your clothes, typically f

2.verbtransitiveB2
Definition

to lose control of your bladder and release urine into your clothes, typically from fear, laughter, or a sudden shock

Example

The horror movie was so terrifying that Adisa nearly pissed himself.

reflexive: piss + himself

The comedian's jokes were so funny that Quinn pissed her pants laughing.

collocation: piss + possessive + pants

Common collocations
  • piss yourself
  • piss your pants/trousers
Synonyms
  • wet oneself

    neutral informal term for losing bladder control; far less offensive than 'piss oneself'

  • wet one's pants

    common euphemism, especially used with children

Grammar Patterns

piss + reflexive pronoun (yourself/himself/herself)

piss + possessive + pants/trousers

Usage Note

This sense always uses a reflexive object (yourself/himself/herself/themselves) or a possessive + clothing noun (your pants/his trousers). It does not mean simply urinating — it specifically describes an accidental loss of bladder control. The same vulgarity warning applies as in sense 1.

Common Mistakes

He pissed during the movie' (unclear — could mean sense 1).
He pissed himself during the movie.
the reflexive object is required for this sense, otherwise it sounds like sense 1 (going to the toilet).

Word family

  • piss
    verbB2
  • pissed
    adjectiveB2
  • pisser
    nounC1
  • pissed off
    adjectiveB2

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

These four expressions all refer to the same bodily function but differ sharply in register. 'Urinate' is the formal, clinical term — the only appropriate choice in medical settings, official forms, or polite conversation. 'Pee' is a mild, child-friendly euphemism that parents teach toddlers; it sounds natural among friends but slightly childish in professional talk. 'Take a leak' is casual slang, common among adults in informal settings, but not offensive. 'Piss' sits at the vulgar end of the scale — it is widely understood but likely to offend if used in mixed company, around children, or in any formal context. Choosing the wrong one can make a speaker sound rude ('I need to piss' to a colleague) or overly formal ('I need to urinate' at a dinner table). The safest neutral choice for learners is 'go to the toilet' or 'use the restroom'.

piss ↗urinatepeetake a leak

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • need to piss
  • go for a piss
  • piss yourself
  • piss your pants

Prepositions

Etymology

Old FrenchMiddle EnglishEnglish

The word 'piss' comes from Old French 'pisser' (to urinate), which in turn came from Vulgar Latin *pīssiāre — a word that was likely created to imitate the sound of urinating. It first appeared in English around the 13th century and has always been considered a crude or impolite word.