The Bidet

November 2nd, 2007 Posted in day to day

Written by Jamie

One of the many different things between Argentina and the United States is the bidet. 

They are found in virtually every bathroom throughout the country, rich or poor. An unsubstantiated rumor is that you cannot get a housing permit unless you install one in each bathroom. 

I decided to look a little farther into the history of the bidet and here’s what I found.

The first written reference to the bidet was in 1710. It was designed by the French because, back in the day, they only did full body bathing once a week (insert joke here). Apparently the bidet was invented as a “hold me over” type of thing. In the early 1900’s it was moved from being in the bedroom to the bathroom. In addition to Argentina, it is found throughout continental Europe.

A few observations about the bidet:

  • It is a great place to hold reading supplies, strategically located next to the toilet.
  • Be careful when turning it on, people have been know to get a face full of fresh bidet water.
  • It is perfect for washing your feet.
  • In addition to the hot and cold water faucets, the middle knob controls the flow. If you want to mess with the next person using it, turn it on to full.

  1. 4 Responses to “The Bidet”

  2. By Ellie on Nov 30, 2008

    Well, there is some kind of a local joke about the origin of the bidet. Unfortunately, it only makes sense in Spanish:

    “El bidet fue inventado por un tipo que quiso hacer una ducha, pero la salió para el culo”

    Translation ruins the play-on-words, but I´ll leave it anyway for those who could not understand it.

    “Bidet was invented by a guy who wanted to make a shower, but it went wrong”

    Note: Salir para el culo means to go wrong, to spoil. Culo = ass

  3. By Patagonia on Nov 30, 2008

    Elie,

    Thanks so much for that. Perhaps you could contribute to our phrase of the week feature? Something tells me you may know a few good ones.

    Suerte, Jamie

  4. By Patagonia on Oct 22, 2009

    That is hilarious Ellie!

    Thanks for that!

    Cheers,
    Shanie

  5. By immobilier on Jan 5, 2012

    Salut vous quel est votre avis de mon nouveau blog sur l’immobilier?

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