Poseidon's kiss is a humorous, colloquial term used to describe the splash of water that happens when human solid waste drops into the toilet bowl, causing water to spray upwards and sometimes make contact with the person on the toilet.
Understanding the Term
This informal phrase playfully references Poseidon, the powerful Greek god associated with the sea, water, and earthquakes. The "kiss" part of the term humorously likens the unexpected splash of toilet water to a direct, albeit unwelcome, contact from the deity of the waters. It's a common, if slightly unhygienic, experience that many people encounter during a visit to the bathroom.
How to Minimize Poseidon's Kiss
While "Poseidon's kiss" is often an unavoidable part of using a toilet, especially those with deeper water levels, there are a few simple strategies to potentially reduce its occurrence or impact:
- Toilet Paper Cushion: Before defecating, you can place a few sheets of toilet paper on the surface of the water in the bowl. This creates a soft landing pad that can absorb some of the impact and reduce the splash.
- Adjust Positioning: Sitting further back on the toilet seat can sometimes help, as it changes the angle at which waste enters the water, potentially minimizing direct splash-back.
- Consider Toilet Design: Some modern toilet designs are engineered to reduce splashing, often featuring different bowl shapes or flushing mechanisms. While not a quick fix, it's a factor to consider if you're ever replacing a toilet.
