The Origin and Evolution of the Phrase 'Shove It Where the Sun Don’t Shine'

The phrase 'shove it where the sun don’t shine' is a colorful and often crude expression that has its roots in the early 20th century, particularly in American culture. This idiom plays on the notion that the sun typically doesn't shine in certain, often inappropriate, places. Its origins are rooted in the colloquial language of the time and has since evolved to become a widely recognized and used exclamation of contempt, defiance, or dismissal.

Etymology and Early Usage

The exact date of its first use is not precisely recorded, but the phrase has been appearing in literature and popular culture in various forms since the early 20th century. It is often associated with American English, where its usage gradually grew in prominence and recognition.

Rude but Effective

The phrase itself is quite rude, and its origins lie in an early 20th-century expression, possibly derived from the notion of the sun not shining in certain bottom regions or occluded spaces. One popular albeit crude form of this idiom is the statement: "Some people shine so brightly they need a shaded monocle!" This implies that some individuals are so arrogant or annoying that they require a metaphorical shade to block out their unwanted influence.

Another version can be transformed to: "An uneducated person might say, 'Your butt!'" whereas an educated individual would merely smile and say, 'Or the bottom of the ocean,' which is a more polite substitute for the original phrase.

Metaphorical Usage

The more common and colloquial way to express this sentiment is through the phrase "shove it where the sun don’t shine." This is a minded metaphor that uses "it" as a stand-in for an object or a situation. The phrase essentially means to take something and place it in a place where it will not be seen, implied, or unenjoyed. The object or situation could be a tangible item, like divorce papers, or an intangible concept, like a boss’ unreasonable demand.

Examples of Usage

1. **Divorce Papers Scenario:** If your wife hands you divorce papers and you were not expecting them, you could retort, "Shove it where the sun don’t shine!" This could refer specifically to the papers and more generally to the subsequent actions you are being asked to take.

2. **Birthday and Work Scenario:** On your birthday, your inconsiderate boss might insist you work 6 hours late to tidy up their new office. You could respond, "Shove it where the sun don’t shine. I quit! I’m outta’ here!" This is a metaphorical use with an intangible "it," referring to the unreasonable demand and your desire to leave immediately.

Understanding the Slang

The phrase is a scatological idiom, more specifically a vulgar slang for 'shove up your backside,' expressing a contemptuous rejection of criticism or an inadequate suggestion. It is considered vulgar slang because it directly refers to a private part of the body, often used to imply that a suggestion or action is so unpleasant or wrong that it should be performed in a private, inaccessible place.

Historically, it is also a reference to a practical piece of advice, similar to the saying, "when shoveling dirt in the 'bottom' of a well, never shovel your dirt where the sun can’t shine on it." This implies that something should not be hidden from public view or scrutiny.

Conclusion

Despite its vulgar nature, the phrase 'shove it where the sun don’t shine' remains a powerful and impactful expression in modern English. It is used to convey a range of emotions, from frustration and anger to defiance and a refusal to comply with unreasonable requests or poor behavior.