Schijt

Schijt is a Dutch noun meaning feces or excrement, the solid waste produced by the digestive system. It is a vulgar or informal term and is generally avoided in formal writing. The corresponding verb is schijten, meaning to defecate. In medical or official contexts, terms such as feces, stool, or bowel movement are used.

Feces consist of undigested food residues, bacteria, bile pigments, shed intestinal cells, and water. The composition and appearance vary with diet, health, and the gut microbiome. In humans, feces are typically brown due to stercobilin, and color, texture, and odor can reflect physiological conditions; drastic changes may warrant medical attention.

Defecation is the elimination of waste from the body and plays a key role in digestion and homeostasis. Fecal matter can carry pathogens if sanitation is poor, posing risks of disease transmission through contaminated hands, food, or water. Therefore, hygiene practices such as using toilets, thorough handwashing, and proper sanitation are important for public health.

Sanitation and waste disposal systems handle feces to reduce health risks. Sewage treatment lowers pathogen loads before water is released back into the environment. In agriculture, animal manure is used as fertilizer, often after composting or other treatment to minimize odors and disease risk. Mismanagement can lead to soil and water pollution and environmental harm.

Culturally, schijt is a taboo subject in many communities, influencing language and humor. Euphemisms such as poep or medical terms like feces or stool are common alternatives in polite discourse. In environmental and agricultural discussions, more neutral terminology is preferred.