Farts—whether we find them funny or uncomfortable—are an inevitable part of life. Despite the stigma often attached to them, these bodily functions are both natural and essential. From historical fart jokes to the science behind why they smell the way they do, here are 30 surprising facts about farts that will make you giggle (and maybe even learn something new).
1. The Oldest Joke in History Was a Fart Joke
Believe it or not, bathroom humor dates back over 4,000 years. Researchers discovered that the oldest recorded joke—dating back to 1900 BCE—was a fart joke. A Sumerian text humorously referenced a woman farting in her husband’s lap. It seems that a good laugh over flatulence is a timeless tradition!
2. Everyone Farts—Yes, Even You
No one is immune to the need to pass gas. Every human being, whether they like it or not, farts. This natural process occurs when swallowed air mixes with bacteria in the intestines. So, whether you’re trying to be discreet or just embrace it, everyone farts—accept it!
3. Flatus: The Official Term for a Fart
For those times when you want to sound a bit more refined, use the term “flatus” instead of “fart.” This medical term comes from the Latin word meaning “the act of blowing” and has been around since 1651. Gastroenterologists also refer to the rumbling sounds in your stomach as “borborygmus.”
4. The Average Adult Farts 14 Times a Day
On average, adults release about 14 farts per day, producing around two pints of gas. So, if you think you’re a fart machine, don’t worry. It’s completely normal to pass gas up to 21 times a day.
5. Sulfur Is What Makes Farts Stinky
While most farts are odorless, sulfur is the culprit behind the stench. Foods like broccoli, cauliflower, and dairy products introduce sulfur into the mix, giving your toots that distinctive unpleasant odor.
6. You Can’t Hold In a Fart
You might try to suppress a fart, but no matter how hard you try, it’s going to escape. Holding it in can lead to uncomfortable pressure, and you might end up letting it out louder than you intended. Best to just let it go!
7. Sometimes Gas Can Escape Through Your Mouth
In rare situations, if you try to hold in a fart, the gas may re-enter your bloodstream and leak out through your mouth as a burp. So, rather than risk this, it’s probably best to let nature take its course.
8. Shakespeare Loved a Good Fart Joke
Shakespeare, known for his wit, didn’t shy away from flatulence humor. In A Comedy of Errors, a character quips, “A man may break a word with you, sir; and words are but wind.” It seems the Bard was well aware of the humor in passing gas.
9. Geoffrey Chaucer Was a Fan Too
The famous author of The Canterbury Tales, Geoffrey Chaucer, also included a fart joke in his work. One of his characters lets out a fart “as loud as it had been a thunder-clap.” Classic!
10. Fart Jokes Are a Timeless Tradition
Throughout history, many great works of literature have featured fart jokes. From Dante’s The Inferno to Mark Twain’s 1601, it seems that no matter the era, flatulence has been a source of humor.
11. James Joyce Wasn’t Afraid of Fart Talk
James Joyce, the renowned Irish author of Ulysses, also embraced the humor of farts. In a letter to his wife, Joyce was extremely detailed in his affection for her farts. Yes, he mentioned it 10 times!
12. Farts Can Be a Fetish
For some, flatulence can be more than just funny—it can be a fetish. Known as “eproctophilia,” this is a condition where individuals are aroused by the sound or smell of farts.
13. One Woman Was Advised to Fart Harder
In a rather unusual case, a woman who obsessively thought about farts was advised by psychologists to “intensify flatus emissions” to break free from her obsession. As odd as it sounds, it worked!
14. Canadian Parliament Debated the Word “Fart”
In 2016, a debate in the Canadian House of Commons over the word “fart” became an international spectacle. When a politician used the word in a speech, one party leader demanded it be withdrawn, claiming it was “unparliamentary.” Eventually, the Speaker decided the term didn’t need to be retracted, allowing for a rare moment of political humor.
15. Gerald Ford Blamed His Farts on the Secret Service
The 38th President of the United States, Gerald Ford, reportedly blamed his farts on his Secret Service agents. He would joke, “Jesus, was that you? Show some class!” whenever a fart was heard.
16. A Boss Was Sued for Farting Too Much
In 2009, an Australian worker sued his boss for allegedly farting in his office for an entire year. Though the court ruled in favor of the employer, the case certainly brought attention to workplace flatulence.
17. Farting at the Police in Germany Can Get You Fined
In 2016, a man in Berlin was fined €900 for farting at police officers. The “Crazy Toot Trial” sparked a larger debate about the wastefulness of public spending on such cases.
18. Some People Turn Farting Into Performance Art
In the late 1800s, a French baker named Joseph Pujol made a career out of “playing” his farts like musical instruments. Known as Le Pétomane, he entertained audiences with his unique talent for emitting different sounds from his rear.
19. Scientists Have Studied the Volume of a Fart
In 1991, researchers in England measured the volume of a fart, discovering that the average fart is between 33 and 125 milliliters. That’s about the size of a small travel bottle!
20. Beans Might Make You Gassier
Beans are famously known for causing gas, and there’s some truth to it. A study found that people who eat beans may produce more gas—but the effects tend to lessen over time.
21. No Link Between Loudness and Smell
While “silent but deadly” is a common phrase, there’s no scientific evidence that links the loudness of a fart to its smell. So, while some toots may be quiet, they can still pack a punch.
22. Farts Can Be Visible in Cold Weather
In cold weather, your farts can actually be visible—just like your breath. This happens because the cold air makes the gas condense and become more noticeable.
23. Farts Smell Worse in the Shower
You’ve probably noticed that your farts smell worse in the shower. That’s because the steam and the confined space enhance your sense of smell, making the scent stronger.
24. Farts Can Spread Disease (But It’s Unlikely)
Although it’s rare, it’s possible for disease to spread through farting. If a person has a disease and removes their pants while farting near someone else, the bacteria could be transferred.
25. Some Animals Fart for Survival
The Bolson pupfish, a small fish in northern Mexico, releases gas to avoid floating to the surface, which makes it easy prey. Farting helps these fish survive by releasing trapped air in their intestines.
26. Termites Are Major Farters
Termites produce methane, and with millions of them in a colony, their combined farts contribute significantly to global methane emissions. These insects are responsible for releasing about 20 million tons of methane annually!
27. Some Animals Don’t Fart
While many animals do fart, octopuses, sloths, and certain clams and sea anemones do not. Sloths, in fact, may be the only mammal that doesn’t pass gas.
28. Your Farts Smell Worse to Others Than to You
Because you’re more familiar with your own farts, they don’t smell as bad to you. However, others might experience your gas as much stronger and more unpleasant.
29. There’s a Pill to Make Your Farts Smell Like Chocolate
If you want to sweeten your toots, a French inventor created a pill that can turn the smell of farts into chocolate, or even rose or violet scents.
30. Fart-Neutralizing Underwear Exists
If pills aren’t your thing, there’s an entire line of underwear designed to neutralize fart odors. Made with activated carbon, brands like Shreddies promise to keep you discreet and odor-free, no matter what.
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