Dictionary definition of “Haitian happiness”

Haitian happiness

n. severe diarrhea or dysentery. Subjects: English, Haiti, Health, Slang

Editorial Note: Many other terms for diarrhea are constructed with quickstep or (the) trots, such green-apple trots or Saigon quickstep, according to the Historical Dictionary of American Slang. Others include Montezuma’s revenge, the screamers, and the shits.

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Citations: 1987 Kevin Duchschere Star-Tribune (Minneapolis, Minnesota) (July 16) “Team spirit helped raise Haitian church” p. 05Y: They fought mosquitoes, tropical heat and what they euphemistically called “Haitian Happiness.” *1998 Thomas J. Carleton Thomas J. Carleton Architecture (Spring) “The Architecture of Hope: Designing a Hospital in Haiti”: At breakfast I learned that Chuck was ill. Dr. Paul put him on an IV so that he would not be dehydrated. Diarrhea is called “Haitian Happiness,” but Chuck did not look very happy. 2006 [Brianne Straughan] Miss B. Straughan (May 10) “Rice and Diarrhea”: So since we’ve gotten here…well since we’ve got back from the mountian village we’ve had some problems with people being sick. Diarrhea the most common and experienced by everyone! I think they call it Haitian Happiness, cause most people get it when they first come here for a while. Which is NOT a fun thing let me tell you! Some have had it for up to 2 and a half weeks now. It isn’t a very pleasent thing when your insides are churning and feel like they are gonna come out either end—meaning mouth and butt—at the same time! 2006 Livesay Haiti WebLog (La Digue, Haiti) (May 12) “Haitian Hapiness Defined and Explained”: Haitian Hapiness—(verb) Abnormally frequent and abnormally fluid evacuation of the bowels.

Posted 17 May 06 | Permalink | Tell a Friend

Reader comments:

Another slang for Haitian Happiness, the shits etc, is Hershy Squirts. You forgot the best one of all! Someone has to add it to the editor’s notes.

by Martina Erickson 22 Nov 06, 0544 GMT