The word “poop” is a simple term, but depending on your audience and the situation, it can be too informal. Whether you need a scientific term for a medical report, a gentle word for a child, or a humorous expression for a friend, the English language offers a wide range of alternatives. Here are 15 other ways to say “poop,” each with a distinct tone and purpose.

What is a Better Word for “Poop”?

Stool
Feces
Poo
Droppings
Excrement
Waste
Manure
Dung
Bowel movement
Number two
Crap
Doody
Turds
Scat
Fecal matter

1. Stool

Stool is a neutral and clinical term used to describe poop in medical or formal contexts, often referring to the physical output of the digestive system. It carries a professional, straightforward tone, making it ideal for healthcare discussions or scientific writing. Using stool emphasizes a formal, non-offensive description, suitable for sensitive or professional settings where you want to discuss bodily functions with clarity and respect.

Example 1: Stool samples might help the doctor diagnose your digestive issue.
Example 2: The clinic’s health report should include a section on stool analysis.

2. Feces

Feces is a formal, scientific term for poop, often used in medical, biological, or academic contexts. It has a clinical, objective tone, making it suitable for professional discussions or research papers. Using feces conveys a precise, technical description, avoiding any casual or crude connotations. This word is perfect for situations where you need a respectful, scientific term for bodily waste.

Example 1: Feces can reveal a lot about an organism’s health in a biology lab.
Example 2: The medical journal article’s findings are supported by the feces data.

3. Poo

Poo is a playful and informal term for poop, often used in casual or child-friendly conversations. It carries a soft, approachable tone, making it great for talking with kids or in relaxed settings with friends. Using poo softens the topic, keeping the conversation light and friendly. It is ideal for situations where you want to discuss bodily functions with humor or gentleness.

Example 1: Your toddler made a poo in the potty? That’s a big win for potty training!
Example 2: Poo cleanup is no fun, especially when your dog makes a mess in the yard.

4. Droppings

Droppings refers to poop, typically used for animal waste, with a descriptive and neutral tone. It is often used in contexts like farming or wildlife observation to describe small, scattered waste. Using droppings emphasizes a specific, often animal-related context, with a practical and observational tone. It’s great for situations where you want to describe animal waste in a natural way.

Example 1: These droppings mean deer were here recently.
Example 2: The wildlife study uses droppings to help identify the different species in the park.

5. Excrement

Excrement is a formal, slightly clinical term for poop, used in medical, scientific, or polite contexts. It carries a serious, objective tone, making it ideal for professional or academic discussions where tact is needed. Using excrement conveys a dignified, non-offensive description, avoiding casual slang. This word is perfect for situations where you want to discuss waste with formality and respect.

Example 1: Excrement tests can reveal underlying health issues.
Example 2: The new health policy report states that excrement disposal needs proper regulation.

6. Waste

Waste is a broad, neutral term for poop, often used in medical or environmental contexts to describe bodily or organic byproducts. It carries a practical, straightforward tone, suitable for discussions about sanitation, health, or ecology. Using waste emphasizes a functional, non-emotional description, focusing on the material aspect. It’s ideal for situations where you want to address bodily functions in a technical or environmental context.

Example 1: The new composting toilet has an eco-friendly waste management system.
Example 2: Proper waste processing is a key part of our sanitation systems research.

7. Manure

Manure refers to poop, specifically animal waste used as fertilizer, with a practical, agricultural tone. It is often used in farming or gardening contexts. Using manure highlights its utility and specific context, avoiding crude connotations. This word is perfect for situations where you want to discuss animal waste in a productive, natural way.

Example 1: Manure will boost the growth of your garden plants.
Example 2: Manure recycling is an important part of our study on farm sustainability.

8. Dung

Dung is a direct, earthy term for poop, typically used for animal waste, with a rustic tone. It is often used in farming, historical, or natural contexts to describe raw, organic matter. Using dung conveys a straightforward, unpolished tone, evoking a natural setting. It’s ideal for situations where you want to describe animal waste with a grounded, traditional feel.

Example 1: The dung is just part of the vibe on this farm.
Example 2: In historical farming, dung was a key fertilizer.

9. Bowel movement

Bowel movement is a clinical and formal term for poop, used in medical or health contexts to describe the act or result of defecation. It carries a professional, precise tone, making it ideal for discussions with doctors or in health education. Using bowel movement emphasizes a medical, respectful approach, avoiding slang. It’s perfect for situations where you want to discuss bodily functions with clarity and professionalism.

Example 1: Regular bowel movement is a good sign of recovery after surgery.
Example 2: The seminar on health will discuss how bowel movement tracking can aid in diagnosis.

10. Number two

Number two is a playful, euphemistic phrase for poop, often used in casual or child-friendly contexts to refer to defecation discreetly. It carries a lighthearted, indirect tone, making it great for conversations with kids or in polite, informal settings. Using number two softens the topic, adding a humorous or tactful touch. It’s ideal for situations where you want to discuss bodily functions with discretion and a smile.

Example 1: Did you do a number two in the toilet? That’s awesome for your potty training!
Example 2: I need to take a quick bathroom break; the number two is calling!

11. Crap

Crap is a blunt, informal term for poop, often used in casual or slightly crude conversations. It carries a direct, sometimes humorous vibe, suitable for relaxed settings among friends or peers. Using crap conveys a straightforward, unfiltered approach, often with a touch of humor or frustration. It’s great for situations where you want to keep things casual and a bit cheeky.

Example 1: There’s crap on the carpet; what a hassle to clean up!
Example 2: The day’s been rough, but crap happens, you’ll bounce back.

12. Doody

Doody is a childish, playful term for poop, often used in lighthearted or family-friendly contexts, especially when talking to or about young children. It carries a silly, gentle tone, making it ideal for conversations with kids or in humorous, informal settings. Using doody keeps the discussion fun and non-offensive, with a whimsical vibe. It’s perfect for situations where you want to address bodily functions with a playful, innocent tone.

Example 1: Doody in the potty? Great job for a little one!
Example 2: The dog left doody in the yard again; oh no!

13. Turds

Turds is a blunt, informal term for poop, often used in casual or humorous contexts to describe solid pieces of waste with a slightly crude tone. It carries a cheeky, straightforward vibe, suitable for relaxed conversations among close friends or peers. Using turds adds a humorous, unpolished edge, emphasizing the physical nature of the waste. It’s great for situations where you want to keep things light and a bit irreverent.

Example 1: Watch out for the turds on the trail!
Example 2: I can’t believe the dog left turds in the house; that’s rough!

14. Scat

Scat is a specific term for poop, typically used for animal waste in wildlife or ecological contexts. It is often used in scientific or outdoor settings, like when tracking animals or studying nature. Using scat emphasizes a natural, observational context, focusing on animal behavior or ecology. It’s perfect for situations where you want to discuss animal waste in a scientific or nature-focused way.

Example 1: The scat shows that bears were nearby.
Example 2: Scat helps us track the animals during our nature hike.

15. Fecal matter

Fecal matter is a highly formal, clinical term for poop, used in medical or scientific contexts to describe bodily waste with precision and neutrality. It carries a professional, technical tone, making it ideal for healthcare discussions, research, or formal reports. Using fecal matter conveys a serious, respectful approach, avoiding any casual or crude connotations. This word is perfect for situations where you need a precise, dignified term for bodily functions.

Example 1: Fecal matter tests can spot underlying health issues.
Example 2: The medical research paper’s conclusion is based on fecal matter analysis.

Conclusion

The term “poop” often lands with an awkward thud. This guide on other ways to say “Poop” has armed you with a playful vocabulary, letting you address this common, yet often hushed, topic with humor and a lighter touch.

Transform potentially cringeworthy announcements; let every necessary conversation become a source of shared, discreet amusement. For countless more ways to inject life into your daily interactions, visit the Other Ways To Say homepage.

Thomas Schneider

Thomas Schneider is a language enthusiast and expert in synonyms, dedicated to exploring the beauty of words and their nuanced meanings. With a passion for linguistics and clear communication, Thomas helps readers enrich their vocabulary and understand the subtle art of word choice. Whether you’re a writer, student, or language lover, his insights offer practical tools to elevate your language skills.