This page in your language

فارسی

العربية

Deutsch

Español

Français

日本語

한국어

Português

中文

हिन्दी

B1 noun and verb #22 most common 14 min read

poops

Top 22

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips poops in 30 Seconds

Explanation poops in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'poops' is a simple word used to describe what animals and babies do. It is one of the first words you might learn when talking about pets. For example, 'The dog poops.' It is an action word (a verb). It is informal and easy to remember because it sounds like the action it describes. You use it with 'he,' 'she,' or 'it' by adding an 's' at the end. It is not a bad word, but you should only use it with friends and family. You will see it in books for children or hear it when people talk about their puppies or kittens. It is a very basic part of life that everyone understands.

At the A2 level, you can use 'poops' to describe routines and habits. You might use it to talk about taking care of a pet or a small child. For example, 'My cat poops in the morning.' You also learn that it can be a noun, meaning the waste itself, though 'poop' is more common for the substance. You can use 'poops' to count how many times something happened: 'The baby had two poops today.' It is important to remember that this word is informal. In a classroom or at work, you might want to use a different word, but in a park or at home, 'poops' is the perfect word to use.

At the B1 level, you understand that 'poops' is an informal term that fits into specific social contexts like parenting, pet care, and casual jokes. You should be able to use it correctly in the third-person singular (e.g., 'He poops') and distinguish it from the plural noun. You also start to see how it is used in common phrases. You understand that while it's not a 'curse word,' it is still a bit 'childish' or 'gross' for formal situations. You can use it to describe health issues in a casual way, like 'My dog poops too much lately.' You are also aware of the 'poop emoji' and its role in casual digital communication.

At the B2 level, you are expected to navigate the nuances of register. You know that 'poops' is appropriate for a conversation with a friend about their new puppy, but you would switch to 'defecates' or 'bowel movements' if you were writing a biology report or speaking to a doctor. You understand the grammatical flexibility of the word and can use it in more complex sentences. You might also encounter the word in idiomatic expressions or informal metaphors, such as 'poops out' to mean something stopped working. You understand the cultural implications of using 'bathroom talk' and when it is socially acceptable to do so.

At the C1 level, you recognize 'poops' as a word that can be used for specific stylistic effects, such as creating a sense of intimacy, humor, or deliberate informality. You understand its etymological roots and how its onomatopoeic nature contributes to its 'nursery' feel. You can analyze how the word is used in literature or media to characterize someone as earthy, blunt, or childish. You are also fully aware of the entire spectrum of synonyms—from the clinical to the taboo—and can choose 'poops' specifically when you want to be informal without being vulgar. You understand the subtle difference between 'poop' (uncountable) and 'poops' (countable instances).

At the C2 level, you have a masterly command of the word's register and social baggage. You can use 'poops' in a satirical or ironic way to subvert formal expectations. You understand its historical development from Middle English and how its meaning has shifted over centuries. You can discuss the linguistics of euphemism and how 'poops' serves as a 'soft' alternative to more abrasive terms. You are also aware of how the word functions in various English dialects and how its acceptability might vary slightly between American, British, and Australian English. You can use the word with total confidence in its social impact, whether you're using it in a comedy script or a linguistic analysis.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

poops in 30 Seconds

Poops is an informal word used as a verb (he/she/it poops) or a plural noun (multiple pieces of waste). It is common in family and pet contexts.
The word is considered 'nursery language,' meaning it is safe for children but too informal for professional or academic environments where 'defecate' is preferred.
Grammatically, 'poops' requires a singular subject in the present tense. As a noun, it can refer to distinct instances of bowel movements or animal droppings.
Commonly heard in veterinary clinics, nurseries, and dog parks, the word is also associated with the popular 'poop emoji' in modern digital communication.

The word poops serves a dual purpose in the English language, functioning both as a plural noun and as the third-person singular present tense of the verb 'to poop.' At its core, it refers to the biological process of discharging solid waste from the body, or the waste itself. While the concept is universal to all living creatures, the choice of this specific word carries significant social and register-based weight. It is categorized as an informal term, often described as a 'nursery word' or 'child-friendly' language. This means it is the standard term used by parents when speaking to children, by pet owners when discussing their animals, and by adults in casual, non-professional settings where they wish to avoid the clinical coldness of medical terms like 'defecate' or 'feces,' yet also want to avoid the vulgarity of slang terms like 'shit.'

Biological Context: In a biological sense, when an organism poops, it is completing the final stage of digestion. The word describes the expulsion of undigested food, bacteria, and metabolic waste. In the plural noun form, 'poops' might refer to multiple instances of this waste, though it is more common to use the singular 'poop' as a collective noun. However, in the context of tracking a pet's health, a veterinarian might ask if the animal's poops have been consistent in texture and frequency.

The new puppy is finally house-trained, but occasionally he still poops in the hallway when he gets excited.

Socially, the word 'poops' occupies a safe middle ground. It is considered polite enough for public use in specific contexts—such as a dog park or a daycare center—but it remains inappropriate for formal writing, academic papers, or professional business environments. If a doctor were discussing a patient's health, they would likely use the term 'bowel movements' or 'stools' rather than saying the patient 'poops.' Conversely, if a friend is telling a funny story about their toddler, 'poops' is the most natural and expected choice. The word also appears frequently in the context of the 'poop emoji' (💩), which has further normalized the term in digital communication, often adding a layer of humor or lightheartedness to an otherwise taboo subject.

Verb Usage: As a verb, 'poops' requires a singular subject (he, she, it, or a singular noun). It describes the action itself. For example, 'My cat poops in the litter box' is a straightforward observation of a habit. It is almost always used intransitively, meaning it does not usually take a direct object, although one might say 'he poops a lot' to describe frequency.

Every time we go for a walk, my dog poops right next to the neighbor's mailbox.

The evolution of the word is also worth noting. Historically, 'poop' referred to the stern of a ship (the poop deck) or meant to make a short, puffing sound. The modern usage regarding defecation is relatively recent in the grand timeline of English, likely originating from onomatopoeia—the sound of passing gas or the sound of waste hitting water. This playful, phonetic origin contributes to why the word feels 'childish' to many native speakers. Despite this, it is an essential part of the B1-level vocabulary because it is the most common way to discuss a fundamental human and animal function without causing offense or sounding overly clinical.

Plural Noun Usage: While 'poop' is often uncountable (like 'water'), the plural 'poops' is used when referring to distinct instances or types. A parent might say, 'The baby had three poops today,' to track health. In this context, it emphasizes the count of the events rather than the substance itself.

The scientist examined the various bird poops on the island to determine the local diet.

If the hamster poops on your hand, just wash it off with soap and water.

She noticed several small deer poops in the garden, indicating that animals had been visiting overnight.

Using 'poops' correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical function as either a verb or a noun. As a verb, it follows the standard rules for the third-person singular in the present tense. This means it is paired with subjects like 'he,' 'she,' 'it,' or singular nouns like 'the dog,' 'the baby,' or 'the bird.' It is primarily an intransitive verb, meaning it describes an action the subject performs without needing to act upon something else. However, it is often followed by prepositional phrases that indicate the location or manner of the action, such as 'in the woods,' 'on the carpet,' or 'frequently.'

Subject-Verb Agreement: The 's' at the end of 'poops' is crucial for agreement with singular subjects. For plural subjects, the 's' is dropped (e.g., 'Dogs poop,' but 'The dog poops'). This is a common area of error for English learners who may confuse the plural noun form with the singular verb form.

My cat always poops right after I finish cleaning the litter box.

When used as a noun, 'poops' refers to multiple pieces or instances of fecal matter. While 'poop' is often used as an uncountable noun (e.g., 'There is poop on the floor'), 'poops' is used when the speaker wants to emphasize individual occurrences or different types. For instance, a researcher studying wildlife might compare the 'poops' of different species. In a domestic setting, a parent might tell a pediatrician, 'His poops have been very hard lately,' using the plural to describe a series of bowel movements over time.

Prepositional Patterns: The verb 'poops' is frequently followed by 'on,' 'in,' or 'at.' For example: 'The bird poops on the car' (location), 'The baby poops in her diaper' (containment), or 'He poops at the same time every morning' (time).

It is frustrating when a pigeon poops on your freshly washed windshield.

In terms of register, 'poops' is highly versatile within its informal boundaries. It can be used humorously, descriptively, or even out of frustration. However, it should never be used in a way that might be interpreted as professional medical advice unless you are a veterinarian speaking to a pet owner in a very casual clinic. In academic writing, replace 'poops' with 'excretes waste' or 'defecates.' In a formal essay about the environment, instead of 'The cow poops and creates methane,' use 'Cattle produce manure, which contributes to methane emissions.'

Common Phrasal Usage: The phrase 'poops out' can sometimes be used figuratively to mean that something has stopped working or someone has run out of energy, though 'pooped out' is more common. For example, 'The old engine finally poops out when it hits a steep hill.'

Whenever the toddler poops, he hides behind the sofa because he feels shy.

The hiker noticed several bear poops on the trail and decided to turn back for safety.

If your dog poops in a public park, you are legally required to pick it up.

The word 'poops' is a staple of domestic life and casual social interactions. One of the most common places you will hear it is in a home with young children. Parents are constantly monitoring their children's health and habits, and 'poops' is the primary word used to describe the process during potty training. You might hear a parent ask, 'Did the baby have any poops today?' or tell a spouse, 'He poops every time we put him in the car seat.' In this context, the word is entirely neutral and functional, devoid of any 'gross-out' factor because it is simply a part of caregiving.

The Dog Park and Pet Ownership: Another frequent setting is the dog park or a veterinary clinic. Pet owners use 'poops' to discuss their animals' digestive health. A vet might say, 'If he poops more than three times a day, give me a call.' Among dog owners, it is common to hear, 'My dog only poops on the grass, never on the pavement.' Here, the word is used as a matter-of-fact description of animal behavior.

At the animal shelter, the volunteers keep a log of when each dog poops to ensure they are healthy.

In the world of comedy and casual entertainment, 'poops' is often used for 'toilet humor.' Because the word has a slightly silly, childish sound, it is frequently used in sitcoms, cartoons, and stand-up comedy to elicit a laugh without being 'too dirty' for a general audience. It strikes a balance that allows for humor regarding bodily functions while remaining accessible to families. You might also encounter it in casual digital spaces—memes, social media posts about parenting struggles, or text messages between close friends. The 'poop emoji' has solidified the word's place in modern slang, often used to indicate that something is bad or 'crap' in a lighthearted way.

Outdoor and Nature Contexts: In nature documentaries or when hiking, people might use 'poops' to refer to animal droppings (scat). A guide might point out, 'These small poops belong to a rabbit.' While 'droppings' or 'scat' are more technical, 'poops' is the go-to word for the average person exploring the outdoors.

The gardener complained that a neighborhood cat poops in her flowerbeds every night.

Finally, the word is used in specific idiomatic or phrasal ways in casual speech. Although 'poops out' (meaning to fail or quit) is less common than the past tense 'pooped out,' you might still hear it in a sentence like, 'This old flashlight always poops out right when I need it.' In this sense, the word is being used metaphorically to describe a sudden loss of function or energy. Overall, 'poops' is a word heard in the 'private' spheres of life—home, family, and close friendships—rather than the 'public' spheres of work and formal society.

Casual Conversation: Friends might use the word when complaining about a situation. 'My luck is so bad, it's like the universe just poops on me sometimes.' This is a very informal, slightly slangy way of saying things are going poorly.

The toddler proudly announced to the whole restaurant that he poops like a big boy now.

If the puppy poops inside, we have to clean it with a special enzyme cleaner.

The zookeeper explained that an elephant poops up to 300 pounds of waste every single day.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with the word 'poops' is a failure of register. Because it is a common word, learners might assume it is appropriate for all situations. However, using 'poops' in a formal essay, a job interview, or a professional email can be seen as highly unprofessional or even offensive. It is vital to distinguish between 'informal' and 'formal' vocabulary. For example, saying 'The patient poops regularly' in a medical report is incorrect; the correct phrasing would be 'The patient has regular bowel movements.' Understanding the social boundaries of this word is just as important as understanding its definition.

Subject-Verb Agreement Errors: As with many verbs in the third-person singular, learners often forget the 's' or add it where it doesn't belong. 'They poops' is grammatically incorrect (it should be 'They poop'), while 'He poop' is also incorrect (it should be 'He poops'). This is a basic grammar rule that is easy to overlook when dealing with informal vocabulary.

Incorrect: My dogs poops in the yard. (Correct: My dogs poop in the yard.)

Another common confusion arises between 'poops' (the verb/noun) and 'pooped' (the adjective). In English, 'I am pooped' means 'I am very tired.' Learners might mistakenly say 'I am poops' or 'I poops' when they mean they are exhausted. While the words are related in their informal nature, they are not interchangeable. 'Poops' always refers to the act of defecation or the waste itself, whereas 'pooped' has evolved into a common idiom for fatigue. Mixing these up can lead to very embarrassing misunderstandings in conversation.

Confusion with 'Pops': Due to similar spelling and pronunciation, some learners confuse 'poops' with 'pops' (meaning to burst or a casual term for father). Saying 'My dad poops over for dinner' instead of 'My dad pops over for dinner' would create a very different and likely unwanted meaning.

Incorrect: The balloon poops when you touch it. (Correct: The balloon pops when you touch it.)

Lastly, there is the issue of 'countability.' While 'poop' is generally uncountable (like 'mud'), 'poops' is used for specific instances. However, learners sometimes use 'poops' when they should use the singular 'poop' to describe the substance. For example, 'There are poops on the floor' implies several distinct piles, whereas 'There is poop on the floor' describes the presence of the substance. Choosing the wrong one isn't always a 'mistake' in the strict sense, but it can sound unnatural to native speakers depending on the volume and distribution of the waste being described.

Misuse of 'Poops Out': Learners might try to use 'poops out' as a direct translation for 'exhausts.' While 'The race poops me out' is technically possible in very slangy English, it's much more common to use the passive 'I am pooped out by the race.'

If the baby poops during the flight, we have all the supplies in the carry-on bag.

The vet asked, "How many poops has the dog had since this morning?"

It is a common error to use poops in a formal biology report; 'excreta' or 'feces' is preferred.

English has a vast array of words to describe the act of defecation and the resulting waste, ranging from the highly clinical to the extremely vulgar. Understanding where 'poops' fits into this spectrum is key to using it correctly. 'Poops' is the most common 'safe' informal word. It is less clinical than 'bowel movements' but more polite than 'shit' or 'crap.' Below, we compare 'poops' with its various alternatives to help you choose the right word for the right situation.

Poops vs. Defecates: Poops: Informal, used for children, pets, and casual talk.
Defecates: Scientific and medical. You would read this in a textbook or a doctor's report. It sounds very cold and technical in a normal conversation.

While a biologist might say an animal 'defecates,' a pet owner simply says their dog poops.

Another common set of alternatives are the 'number' euphemisms. In English-speaking cultures, especially with children, 'number two' is a very common way to refer to pooping (while 'number one' refers to peeing). This is even more 'polite' or 'discreet' than saying 'poops.' For example, a child might say, 'I have to go number two,' to avoid saying the word 'poop' in public. On the other end of the spectrum are 'shit' and 'crap.' 'Shit' is a vulgar profanity and should be avoided in most settings. 'Crap' is a milder slang term, but it is still more aggressive and less 'cute' than 'poops.'

Poops vs. Droppings/Scat: Poops: General informal term.
Droppings: Specifically used for small animals like birds, rabbits, or mice.
Scat: Specifically used by hunters, hikers, and wildlife experts to describe wild animal waste.

You might find rabbit poops in your garden, but a scientist would call them 'droppings.'

In the context of farming, the word 'manure' or 'dung' is used. 'Manure' specifically refers to animal waste used as fertilizer for plants. You wouldn't say a farmer is spreading 'cow poops' on the field; you would say they are spreading 'manure.' 'Dung' is often used for larger animals, like elephants or cows, especially in a more traditional or ecological context (e.g., 'dung beetles'). These words are more specific to the utility or the environment of the waste.

Register Comparison: 1. Defecate (Formal/Medical)
2. Bowel Movement (Polite/Medical)
3. Poop (Informal/Standard)
4. Number Two (Euphemism/Childish)
5. Crap (Slang/Informal)
6. Shit (Vulgar/Profane)

The nurse asked if the patient had any poops today, but wrote 'bowel movement' in the chart.

A dog poops on the lawn, but a horse leaves 'manure' on the trail.

In the movie, the character poops his pants for comedic effect, a classic trope of slapstick humor.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The 'poop deck' on a ship has nothing to do with this word; it comes from the French 'poupe,' meaning the stern of a ship. However, the coincidence often leads to jokes.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /puːps/

US /puːps/

The word is a single syllable, so the stress is on the entire word.

Rhymes With

loops scoops hoops groups soups troops swoops coups

Common Errors

Pronouncing it like 'pops' (short 'o' sound).
Forgetting the 's' when using it as a third-person singular verb.
Confusing it with 'pups' (short 'u' sound).

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

The word is short and common in informal texts and children's literature.

Writing 3/5

Learners must remember the third-person 's' and the correct register.

Speaking 2/5

Easy to pronounce, but social context is tricky.

Listening 2/5

Clear sound, but can be confused with 'pops' or 'pups'.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

dog baby bathroom eat clean

Learn Next

defecate feces digestion manure constipation

Advanced

excretion metabolic waste coprolite scatology euphemism

Grammar to Know

Third-Person Singular -s

He poops (Correct) vs. He poop (Incorrect).

Plural Nouns for Instances

The baby had three poops today.

Phrasal Verbs (Poop out)

The old battery poops out after an hour.

Uncountable vs. Countable

There is poop (substance) vs. There are poops (individual pieces).

Gerund after Prepositions

He is tired of pooping in the house.

Examples by Level

The dog poops in the grass.

The dog (le chien) poops (fait ses besoins) in the grass (dans l'herbe).

Third-person singular verb: add 's'.

The baby poops a lot.

The baby (le bébé) poops (fait caca) a lot (beaucoup).

Present simple tense.

My cat poops every day.

My cat (mon chat) poops (fait ses besoins) every day (chaque jour).

Frequency adverb 'every day'.

It poops in the box.

It (il/elle) poops (fait ses besoins) in the box (dans la boîte).

Pronoun 'it' for animals.

The bird poops on the car.

The bird (l'oiseau) poops (fait caca) on the car (sur la voiture).

Preposition 'on'.

He poops at night.

He (il) poops (fait ses besoins) at night (la nuit).

Time expression 'at night'.

She poops in the morning.

She (elle) poops (fait ses besoins) in the morning (le matin).

Time expression 'in the morning'.

The puppy poops here.

The puppy (le chiot) poops (fait ses besoins) here (ici).

Adverb of place 'here'.

The puppy poops on the rug sometimes.

The puppy (le chiot) poops (fait caca) on the rug (sur le tapis) sometimes (parfois).

Adverb of frequency 'sometimes'.

The baby had two poops this morning.

The baby (le bébé) had (a eu) two poops (deux cacas) this morning (ce matin).

Plural noun 'poops'.

If the dog poops, please clean it.

If (si) the dog poops (fait ses besoins), please (s'il vous plaît) clean it (nettoyez-le).

First conditional structure.

My hamster poops in the corner of his cage.

My hamster (mon hamster) poops (fait ses besoins) in the corner (dans le coin).

Prepositional phrase 'in the corner'.

The bird poops on the window every time.

The bird (l'oiseau) poops (fait caca) on the window (sur la fenêtre).

Phrase 'every time'.

Does your cat poop in the garden?

Does (est-ce que) your cat (votre chat) poop (fait ses besoins) in the garden (dans le jardin)?

Question form (note: 'poop' not 'poops' after 'does').

The baby poops right after eating.

The baby (le bébé) poops (fait caca) right after (juste après) eating (avoir mangé).

Preposition 'after' + gerund.

He poops more when he is nervous.

He (il) poops (fait ses besoins) more (plus) when (quand) he is nervous (il est nerveux).

Comparative 'more'.

The vet asked if the dog poops regularly.

The vet (le vétérinaire) asked (a demandé) if (si) the dog poops (fait ses besoins) regularly (régulièrement).

Indirect question.

She noticed several small poops in the attic.

She noticed (elle a remarqué) several (plusieurs) small poops (petites crottes) in the attic (au grenier).

Plural noun usage.

Whenever he poops, the toddler hides behind the sofa.

Whenever (chaque fois que) he poops (il fait caca), the toddler (le bambin) hides (se cache).

Conjunction 'whenever'.

The pigeon poops on the statue every single day.

The pigeon (le pigeon) poops (fait caca) on the statue (sur la statue).

Emphatic 'every single day'.

It is annoying when the cat poops outside the box.

It is annoying (c'est agaçant) when (quand) the cat poops (le chat fait ses besoins) outside the box (hors de la boîte).

Adjective + 'when' clause.

The baby's poops have changed color recently.

The baby's poops (les cacas du bébé) have changed (ont changé) color (de couleur).

Possessive 's' and plural noun.

If the puppy poops inside, don't yell at him.

If (si) the puppy poops (le chiot fait caca) inside (à l'intérieur), don't yell (ne criez pas).

Negative imperative.

The hiker saw bear poops on the trail.

The hiker (le randonneur) saw (a vu) bear poops (des crottes d'ours) on the trail (sur le sentier).

Compound noun 'bear poops'.

The researcher analyzed the various poops found in the cave.

The researcher (le chercheur) analyzed (a analysé) the various poops (les différentes crottes).

Plural noun in a semi-formal context.

The engine often poops out when the weather gets too cold.

The engine (le moteur) often (souvent) poops out (tombe en panne) when the weather (le temps) gets too cold (devient trop froid).

Phrasal verb 'poops out' (metaphorical).

Every time the neighbor's dog poops on her lawn, she gets angry.

Every time (chaque fois que) the neighbor's dog (le chien du voisin) poops (fait ses besoins) on her lawn (sur sa pelouse).

Complex sentence with 'every time'.

The comedian made a joke about how a baby poops at the worst times.

The comedian (le comédien) made a joke (a fait une blague) about how (sur la façon dont) a baby poops (un bébé fait caca).

Noun clause 'how a baby poops'.

If the lizard poops in its water bowl, you must clean it immediately.

If (si) the lizard poops (le lézard fait ses besoins) in its water bowl (dans son bol d'eau).

Conditional with modal 'must'.

The toddler proudly told everyone that he poops in the big toilet now.

The toddler (le bambin) proudly told (a fièrement dit) everyone (à tout le monde) that he poops (qu'il fait caca).

Reported speech.

She was worried because the cat poops less than usual.

She was worried (elle était inquiète) because (parce que) the cat poops (le chat fait ses besoins) less (moins) than usual (que d'habitude).

Comparative 'less than'.

The bird poops so much that the balcony is always dirty.

The bird (l'oiseau) poops (fait caca) so much (tellement) that (que) the balcony (le balcon) is always dirty (est toujours sale).

Result clause 'so... that'.

The satirical article poops on the idea of corporate transparency.

The satirical article (l'article satirique) poops on (se moque de/dénigre) the idea (l'idée).

Metaphorical/Slang usage meaning to criticize or disparage.

The biological study tracks how frequently the organism poops out toxins.

The biological study (l'étude biologique) tracks (suit) how frequently (à quelle fréquence) the organism (l'organisme) poops out (expulse) toxins.

Phrasal verb 'poops out' in a descriptive biological sense.

He poops at 7 AM like clockwork, which is quite impressive for a dog.

He poops (il fait ses besoins) at 7 AM (à 7h du matin) like clockwork (comme une horloge).

Idiom 'like clockwork'.

The author uses the word 'poops' to maintain a juvenile tone throughout the chapter.

The author (l'auteur) uses (utilise) the word 'poops' (le mot 'poops') to maintain (pour maintenir) a juvenile tone (un ton juvénile).

Infinitive of purpose.

The vet noted that the dog poops more frequently when switched to a grain-free diet.

The vet noted (le vétérinaire a noté) that (que) the dog poops (le chien fait ses besoins) more frequently (plus fréquemment).

Comparative adverb 'more frequently'.

It’s a bit of a taboo subject, but everyone poops, so why be shy?

It's a bit of a taboo subject (c'est un sujet un peu tabou), but (mais) everyone (tout le monde) poops (fait caca).

Indefinite pronoun 'everyone' takes a singular verb.

The toddler's constant 'poops' announcements were becoming a bit embarrassing in public.

The toddler's (du bambin) constant 'poops' announcements (annonces constantes de 'caca').

Gerund/Noun phrase.

The engine poops out if you don't give it enough gas on the incline.

The engine (le moteur) poops out (cale/s'arrête) if you don't give it (si vous ne lui donnez pas) enough gas (assez d'essence).

Zero conditional.

The narrative arc poops out in the third act, leaving the audience unsatisfied.

The narrative arc (l'arc narratif) poops out (s'essouffle) in the third act (dans le troisième acte).

Metaphorical usage for a story losing momentum.

One might argue that the word 'poops' is a linguistic fossil of nursery-room discourse.

One might argue (on pourrait soutenir) that (que) the word 'poops' (le mot 'poops') is a linguistic fossil (un fossile linguistique).

Formal academic speculation.

The character's dialogue is peppered with words like 'poops' to underscore his lack of social refinement.

The character's dialogue (le dialogue du personnage) is peppered (est parsemé) with words (de mots).

Passive voice 'is peppered'.

The scientist's decision to use 'poops' instead of 'fecal matter' was a deliberate attempt to demystify the process.

The scientist's decision (la décision du scientifique) to use 'poops' (d'utiliser 'poops').

Infinitive as a noun phrase.

Whether the dog poops here or there is irrelevant to the legal definition of trespassing.

Whether (que... ou) the dog poops (le chien fasse ses besoins) here or there (ici ou là) is irrelevant (est sans importance).

Noun clause as subject.

The sheer volume of bird poops on the cathedral roof is a testament to the local pigeon population.

The sheer volume (le volume pur) of bird poops (de fientes d'oiseaux) on the cathedral roof (sur le toit de la cathédrale).

Complex noun phrase.

He poops on every suggestion I make, which makes collaborating with him impossible.

He poops on (il rejette/dénigre) every suggestion (chaque suggestion) I make (que je fais).

Metaphorical usage for dismissal/criticism.

The toddler's obsession with when the dog poops is a classic phase of child development.

The toddler's obsession (l'obsession du bambin) with when (avec le moment où) the dog poops (le chien fait ses besoins).

Prepositional phrase with a noun clause.

Common Collocations

dog poops

baby poops

poops out

poops on

regular poops

small poops

hard poops

poops in the house

poops a lot

never poops

Common Phrases

everyone poops

— A phrase used to normalize a natural biological function, often the title of a famous children's book.

Don't be embarrassed about the noise; everyone poops.

poops his pants

— To defecate while wearing clothes, usually said of babies or in embarrassing situations.

The toddler poops his pants if he gets too distracted playing.

poops out a solution

— A very informal, slightly crude way to say someone quickly produced a result or idea.

He just poops out a solution every time we have a problem.

poops on my parade

— A variation of 'rains on my parade,' meaning to ruin someone's good mood or plans.

I was so happy about my promotion until he poops on my parade with bad news.

bird poops for luck

— A common superstition that having a bird poop on you brings good luck.

Don't be mad that the pigeon poops on you; it's supposed to be for luck!

poops like a champion

— A humorous way to describe a pet or baby that has very healthy digestive habits.

The new puppy eats well and poops like a champion.

poops in the woods

— Part of the rhetorical question 'Does a bear poop in the woods?' meaning 'Obviously yes.'

Is he going to be late? Does a bear poop in the woods?

poops on the rug

— A common frustration for pet owners during house-training.

I'll be so happy when he finally stops and no longer poops on the rug.

clean up the poops

— The act of removing animal waste from a yard or litter box.

It's your turn to go outside and clean up the poops.

track the poops

— To monitor the frequency of bowel movements for health reasons.

The nurse told us to track the baby's poops for the next three days.

Often Confused With

poops vs pops

Pops means to burst or is a name for a father. 'My dad pops over' is very different from 'My dad poops over'.

poops vs pups

Pups are baby dogs. 'The pups poop' is correct, but don't confuse the sounds.

poops vs peeps

Peeps is slang for people or the sound a chick makes. It sounds similar but has no relation.

Idioms & Expressions

"poops out"

— To stop working or to fail suddenly due to exhaustion or mechanical failure.

My old laptop always poops out when I try to run heavy software.

informal

"poops on someone's head"

— To treat someone very badly or to disrespect them completely.

He thinks he can just poop on everyone's head because he's the boss.

slang/crude

"scared the poop out of me"

— To be extremely frightened (a milder version of 'scared the shit out of me').

That loud noise scared the poop out of me!

informal

"don't poop where you eat"

— An idiom advising against having romantic relationships or causing trouble at your place of work.

Dating your coworker is a bad idea; don't poop where you eat.

slang/informal

"party pooper"

— A person who ruins the fun at a social gathering (related to the verb 'poop').

Don't be such a party pooper; stay for one more song!

informal

"poop or get off the pot"

— An idiom meaning to either take action or stop wasting time and let someone else try.

You've been thinking about this job for weeks; either poop or get off the pot.

informal/crude

"in the poop"

— To be in a lot of trouble (British English informal).

If I don't finish this report by five, I'll be in the poop.

informal

"poop-scoop"

— To get the latest news or 'inside' information (slang).

Give me the poop-scoop on what happened at the meeting.

slang

"poops out on the finish line"

— To fail right at the very end of a task or race.

He was winning the marathon until his body poops out on the finish line.

informal

"the real poop"

— The actual, honest truth about a situation.

I want the real poop; tell me why she actually quit.

informal/dated

Easily Confused

poops vs pooped

It looks like the past tense of 'poops'.

While it is the past tense, as an adjective it means 'very tired'. 'I am pooped' does not mean you are covered in waste.

I am so pooped after that long run.

poops vs pooper

It sounds like it's just a variation of 'poops'.

A 'pooper' is the person/animal doing the act, but 'party pooper' is a specific idiom for someone who ruins fun.

Don't be a party pooper!

poops vs poopy

Similar root word.

Poopy is an adjective used mostly by children to describe something dirty or as a mild insult.

The baby has a poopy diaper.

poops vs pope

Similar spelling for beginners.

The Pope is the leader of the Catholic Church. Confusing these two would be a major social error.

The Pope lives in the Vatican.

poops vs pipes

Visual spelling similarity.

Pipes are tubes for water or gas. 'The pipes burst' vs 'The dog poops'.

The plumber fixed the leaky pipes.

Sentence Patterns

The [animal] poops.

The cat poops.

The [animal] poops in the [location].

The dog poops in the garden.

The [subject] poops every [time period].

The baby poops every morning.

There are [adjective] poops on the [location].

There are small poops on the floor.

If the [subject] poops, you should [action].

If the puppy poops, you should clean it up.

The [machine] poops out when [condition].

The engine poops out when it gets hot.

It is fascinating how the [organism] poops out [substance].

It is fascinating how the caterpillar poops out silk-like waste.

The [abstract concept] poops out in the [location/time].

The excitement poops out in the final chapter.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in spoken informal English, especially among parents and pet owners.

Common Mistakes

The dogs poops on the grass. → The dogs poop on the grass.
With a plural subject (dogs), the verb should not have an 's'.
I am poops after work. → I am pooped after work.
Use the adjective 'pooped' to mean tired, not the verb/noun 'poops'.
The baby poop in the morning. → The baby poops in the morning.
With a singular subject (baby), you must add 's' to the verb in the present tense.
Using 'poops' in a formal business email. → Using 'bowel movements' or avoiding the topic.
'Poops' is too informal for professional communication.
The balloon poops. → The balloon pops.
Don't confuse 'poops' with 'pops' (to burst).

Tips

Pet Etiquette

Always use 'poops' when talking to other dog owners at the park; it sounds friendly and responsible.

Verb Agreement

Remember: 'The cat poops' (singular) but 'The cats poop' (plural). Don't forget the 's'!

Formal Warning

Never use this word in a job interview or a business meeting. It is considered too 'childish'.

Parenting Talk

When talking to a baby or toddler, 'poops' is the standard and most helpful word for teaching.

Mechanical Failure

Use 'poops out' to describe an old machine that stops working suddenly.

Double O

Make sure to use two 'o's. 'Pops' is a completely different word!

Context Clues

If you hear 'poops' in a funny story, it's likely being used for 'toilet humor'.

Children's Books

If you are writing for children, 'poops' is the perfect word to use for biological functions.

Emoji Link

The poop emoji is the visual version of this word. Use it in texts with friends.

Universal Fact

Remember the phrase 'Everyone poops' to help you feel more comfortable using the word.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of the 'oo' in 'poops' as two eyes looking at a 'p'ile of waste. Or remember: 'The puppy poops on the porch.'

Visual Association

Imagine the brown, coiled 'poop emoji' (💩). This is the most common visual link for this word in the modern world.

Word Web

dog baby bathroom diaper toilet grass clean smell

Challenge

Try to use the word 'poops' in a sentence about three different animals (e.g., a bird, a cow, and a cat) to practice the third-person singular 's'.

Word Origin

The word likely originated in the late 14th century from the Middle English 'poupen,' which meant to make a puffing or blowing sound, or to pass gas. It is onomatopoeic in nature, mimicking the sound of bodily functions.

Original meaning: Originally, it referred to the sound of a horn or the sound of flatulence before it shifted to mean solid waste in the early 20th century.

Germanic (English)

Cultural Context

While informal, it can still be 'gross' to some people. Avoid using it during meals or in very clean/professional environments.

In the US and UK, 'poops' is the standard 'safe' word for parents. Using 'shit' around children is frowned upon, so 'poops' is the go-to alternative.

The book 'Everyone Poops' by Taro Gomi. The 'Poop Deck' jokes in nautical movies. The 'Poop Emoji' in the Unicode Standard.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Pet Care

Pick up the poops.
The dog poops twice a day.
Check the poops for worms.
He poops on the walk.

Parenting

Did the baby have any poops?
He poops in his diaper.
Green poops are normal.
She poops after every meal.

Hiking/Nature

Look at these bear poops.
Don't step in the poops.
Small poops mean rabbits.
The trail is full of horse poops.

Health/Veterinary

Are the poops solid?
He poops less than usual.
Blood in the poops is bad.
How many poops today?

Casual Jokes

A bird poops on him.
The joke poops out.
He poops on my parade.
Everyone poops!

Conversation Starters

"Does your dog usually poop at the beginning or the end of your walk?"

"I'm so tired of cleaning up bird poops from my car; do you have any tips?"

"My toddler just started potty training and he's so proud every time he poops!"

"Have you ever noticed how many different kinds of animal poops you see on this trail?"

"The vet asked about the cat's poops, but I honestly haven't been checking the litter box."

Journal Prompts

Describe the challenges of house-training a puppy that constantly poops on the expensive rug.

Write about a funny or embarrassing situation involving a baby and the word 'poops' in a public place.

Discuss why you think 'poops' is considered a 'childish' word compared to medical terms.

Imagine you are a wildlife researcher. Describe the different poops you found in the forest today.

How do you feel about the 'poop emoji'? Why do you think it became so popular in our culture?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 'poops' is not considered a swear word or a 'bad' word. It is an informal, 'nursery' word that is safe to use in front of children and in most casual social situations. However, it is too informal for professional or formal environments.

If you are a patient talking to a doctor, you can use it, but the doctor will likely use more formal terms like 'bowel movements' or 'stools.' In a formal medical report, 'poops' should never be used.

'Poop' is the base verb or the uncountable noun (the substance). 'Poops' is the third-person singular verb (he poops) or the plural noun (multiple instances). For example, 'The dog poops' (verb) and 'The baby had two poops' (noun).

No, 'poops out' is often used as an informal phrasal verb meaning to stop working, to fail, or to become exhausted. For example, 'The old lawnmower finally poops out if the grass is too tall.'

It is very common in both. British English speakers might also use 'poos' or 'pous,' but 'poops' is universally understood across all major English dialects.

If you want to be more polite or discreet, you can say 'goes to the bathroom,' 'uses the restroom,' or 'does his/her business' (for pets).

Yes, it is very common to refer to animal waste as 'poops,' especially in a casual context like 'Watch out for the dog poops on the sidewalk.'

Almost never. Scientists use terms like 'feces,' 'excrement,' 'scat,' or 'droppings' depending on the specific field of study.

The 'oo' sound and the 'p' sounds are often associated with 'nursery' words or silly sounds in English, which gives the word a lighthearted or slightly ridiculous quality.

A 'party pooper' is an idiom for someone who ruins the fun or atmosphere of a social event by being negative or leaving early. It uses the word 'poop' in a metaphorical sense of 'dampening' the mood.