Not a bit of it! He pointed me to this explanation for the popular UK English expression;. The UK once had a substantial wool trade. In the 13th century there were three sheep to every man, woman and child and wool was the biggest export. The fuller was responsible for treating the wool with urine.
There are some other potential commercial uses of urine that could be related to its 'theft' being viewed in a negative manner. I can't find the reference but I think Britain considered doing something similar during one or both of the world wars. It had a water cooled barrel, which would overheat when it ran out of water.
View Full Version : Etymology of British slang "takes the piss". Send questions for Cecil Adams to: cecil straightdope. Your direct line to thousands of the smartest, hippest people on the planet, plus a few total dipsticks.