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Bidet Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bidet

[bɪˈdeɪ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

bathroom fixture

A bidet is a low-mounted plumbing fixture or type of sink that is used for washing the genital and anal areas. It is typically found in the bathroom and is often used after using the toilet for enhanced cleanliness. In some cultures, bidets are considered essential for personal hygiene.

Synonyms

lavatory, personal hygiene fixture, toilet.

Examples of usage

  • She installed a bidet for better hygiene.
  • Many hotels in Europe offer bidets in their bathrooms.
  • Using a bidet can reduce the need for toilet paper.
  • The bathroom was luxurious, featuring both a toilet and a bidet.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many European and Asian cultures, bidets are common and often considered a standard part of bathroom hygiene.
  • Countries like Japan have high-tech versions that offer heating, air drying, and even music for comfort.

Hygiene and Health

  • Using a bidet can reduce the risk of infections and skin irritation compared to using toilet paper alone.
  • Doctors often recommend bidets for people with specific medical conditions, such as hemorrhoids, for easier cleaning.

Pop Culture

  • Bidets have made various appearances in movies and shows, often depicted humorously or in scenes highlighting cultural differences in bathroom habits.
  • Celebrities have mentioned their love for bidets on social media, increasing their popularity in places where they were less common.

Environmental Impact

  • Bidets can significantly reduce toilet paper usage, which helps save trees and reduces waste in landfills.
  • Installing a bidet can lower home water usage overall, as it minimizes the excessive water needed for toilet paper production.

Origin of 'bidet'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'bidet' comes from the French word for 'pony,' because you straddle it like riding a pony.
  • First documented usage of 'bidet' in English dates back to the 18th century, when it became popular in Europe.

The term 'bidet' comes from the French word for 'pony', referring to the way one straddles the fixture. The use of bidets is thought to have originated in France during the 17th century. Initially, they were simply a means to wash the lower parts of the body, and over time, they became a standard fixture in French bathrooms. The adoption of bidets in other parts of the world, particularly in Italy and other European countries, helped to popularize the notion of personal hygiene that they represent. Today, bidets are found in various forms around the globe, some with modern features like heated seats and water temperature control, reflecting advancements in plumbing and changing attitudes towards personal care.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,423, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.