How did the term 'see a man about a mule' originate?

Answer 1

Well, honey, back in the day, folks used to say "see a man about a mule" as a polite way to excuse themselves to go take care of some private business, like using the restroom or having a drink. It's kind of like saying "I need to powder my nose" without actually talking about powder or noses. So, next time you need a clever excuse to step away, just tell 'em you're gonna see a man about a mule!

Answer 2

Oh, dude, so, like, back in the day, people used to say "see a man about a dog" as a polite way to excuse themselves to go to the bathroom. Then someone was like, "Nah, let's make it more interesting," and swapped out the dog for a mule. And that's how the term "see a man about a mule" was born. So, like, next time you gotta pee, just tell 'em you're off to see a man about a mule.

Answer 3

The phrase "see a man about a mule" likely originated in the late 19th or early 20th century as a euphemism for needing to use the restroom. The use of the word "mule" instead of something more common like a horse or cow added a humorous or mysterious element to the phrase. Over time, it became a colloquial expression used to politely excuse oneself from a conversation or social situation to attend to personal business.

Answer 4

Brad Pitt in the movie Kalifornia.

This phrase originated from the old saying " see a man about a dog " which at the time simply meant that, dogs were bought and sold quite regularly, however being that it was considered a daily chore it became a euphamism for going to see a woman for sex, or in broader terms any act you would rather not reveal or have publicly known.
So if asked " where are you going " you say " to see a man about a dog" which means the same as the more familiar " see a man about a horse ", not so much to mean going for sex, but to use the restroom, another act you would rather not publicise, but definitly not as severe as what it used to mean.

This phrase is actually found in a book called "Their Eyes Were Watching God" by Zora Neale Hurston, first published in 1937.