A question for Downeasters

[geniph]

why do you use the expression "shit the bed" to mean something has quit working? Can someone explain the etymology of this particular expression?

Usage: "My car shit the bed this morning, so I had to take the bus."

[brainwashed_youth]

1. where'd you hear that

I'm about as downeastern as you can get and I've never heard that expression

[Blue-Jay]

2. I don't go to work when I shit the bed.

or something.

[SheepyMcSheepster]

3. i've heard it

i am here in good ole NC. can't tell you where it comes from though. i have heard variations like "it crapped all over itself". just a colorful way of saying something completely and utterly broke or got screwed up.

as far as the origen, i don't know. i attempted to google it but i didn't want to attempt to wade through shit-filled fetish sites.

[Loonman]

4. Well.......you asked

What does the body do first when you die?

[SheepyMcSheepster]

5. ahh, that explains it.

n/t

[geniph]

6. You know, that actually makes sense

always wondered where the hell that expression came from, but that makes some sense - not that something isn't working right, it's something that's DIED.

Thanks! I learn something new every day. It's not always something with great redeeming social value, but it's NEW!

[MaineDem]

7. Don't know the etymology but

it's a fairly common expression around here.

[Kat45]

8. We've always used that expression here in Mass.

So it's not just a Downeasters' expression. I don't know whether or not it's regional, but I never thought it was. I was going to offer the origin of the phrase but I see someone already did. Actually, I used that expression for quite some time before I learned where it came from.