Picking dingleberries

As with most slang terms, the word “dingleberry” cannot be found in standard dictionaries (and also appears as a misspelled word in Microsoft Word). But the Internet provides some interesting information, including possible origins as well as advice on how to prevent “dingleberries” from forming in the first place.

For the uninitiated,

a “dingleberry” is a small clump of feces with or without the inclusion of toilet paper that clings to anal hair.

These specimens can be found on humans and animals alike, although humans are the only ones that seem preoccupied with getting rid of them.

A clever contributor to Urbandictionary.com also offered the definition of “dingleberry” in Star Trek terms as “a Klingon near Uranus.” Another definition of “dingleberry” is “an incompetent, foolish, or stupid person”.

From The Poop Report, we learn that “dingleberries” can be dealt with in a number of ways. The simplest would be to wipe thoroughly after going No.2, preferably with a good quality toilet paper. If the “dingleberries” are especially troublesome, the inflicted may also choose to wipe with a wet wipe or even resort to waxing excess anal hair.

Other terms for “dingleberry” include “dangleberry” (Irish), “dag” (Australian), and “clinker” (English).

One theory regarding the origins of the word “dingleberry” arises from a contemporary of Albert Einstein, the English astrophysicist Herbert Dingle. According to this theory, Dingle coined the term after relieving himself outdoors on a camping trip. Showing his friends the little poop ball hanging from his butt, he remarked on how much it resembled a berry. (See Workpoop.com and Know Your Poop).

Related Links

Definitions
Urbandictionary.com
The Free Dictionary
Everything2

Origins and Interesting Info
WorkPoop.com
Know Your Poop

Anecdotes and Advice
The Poop Report