What does "number one at number two" mean? In what circumstances could I use it?

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

Ah, this is a funny sentence with a bit of wordplay! So, "being number one" refers to being the best at something here, and "number two" refers to excreting feces. I guess 'cause she's a nurse, she has to help patients in many areas, including going to the bathroom. It's like an indirect and softer way to say that you need the bathroom for a certain purpose. Ex: You're number one at submitting your reports on time. = You're the best at submitting your reports on time. Ex: I'd hate it if I were camping and needed to go number two with no bathrooms around.

How do native speakers use this expression?

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Popular Q&As

12/10

1
What's "the late" mean?
Good question! "The late" is a polite and respectful way to refer to someone who has died in the last decade or so. Ex: The king of pop, the late Micheal Jackson, was known worldwide. Ex: The late Sarah Walker was quite wise in her ways. => She did things with wisdom

2
What is the meaning of "veer"?
'Veer' means to suddenly change directions. In this context, it's used because the walking paths in duty-free section are 'suddenly' developed to the left side to make retailers take more space on the right side. Ex: I veered my car off the road.

3
"Drop [something] off" seems to be a phrasal verb. Tell me what it means and give me some examples, please!
Yes, that's right! "Drop [something/someone] off" is an informal phrasal verb that means to take something or someone to another place, often by car. Ex: I need to drop some things off at my children's school. Ex: Can you drop off my package to my house later today?

4
What kind of joke is this?
He is joking here that the person would not be perfect for him if they were actually "perfect", but if they were "co-dependent" and "self-destructive" then they would be the perfect person for him. He says this as a joke because he thinks that he is "co-dependent" and "self-destructive", so if someone else were like that too, then they would be a perfect match.

5
What does "salty" mean?
"Salty" is a slang term meaning to be upset or petty over something small. For example, when a friend beats you in a video game. Ex: He was salty because his sister ate his snacks. Ex: I was feeling salty over my argument with my sister, so I ignored her.

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