Ah, the infamous plumber’s crack. It’s a sight that we’ve all seen (or maybe shown on a particularly awkward occasion), a classic stereotype of the working class tradesperson. The question on every curious mind is, where on earth did this unflattering term and hilariously revealing phenomenon come from? Well, my friends, let me tell you a tale of the origins of the notorious plumber’s crack.To delve into the history of the plumber’s crack, we must first understand the nature of the job itself. Plumbing is an arduous task, requiring a lot of bending, crouching, and crawling through tight spaces. It’s not uncommon for plumbers to have to work in cramped conditions, such as under sinks, behind toilets, or in basements. As a result, it’s not entirely surprising that plumbers end up with their bottoms in the air on occasion.
However, the first recorded use of the term “plumber’s crack” can be attributed to a 1970s TV show called Sanford and Son. One of the main characters, a junk dealer named Fred Sanford, was a frequent user of the term, usually accompanied by a humourous gesture of pulling up his pants to cover his own exposed behind. From there, the term became popularised and has been used ever since.
In recent years, there have been efforts to reclaim the term and turn it into a badge of pride rather than a source of shame. Some plumbing companies have even created advertising campaigns centered around the humourous image of a plumber showing “crack” while on the job. While this may seem like a small victory, it’s a step towards recognising the hard work that plumbers do.
And who knows, next time you catch a glimpse of a plumber’s backside, perhaps you’ll have a newfound appreciation for the hard work and dedication that goes into their profession.