Ever read the writing on the wall in public restrooms? So do many anthropologists! In studies called latrinalia, scholars interpret the graffiti around urinals and in lavatory stalls to learn about the values and lore of both ancient and modern cultures. Often the themes involve lewd and lascivious language and imagery. Even so, the writing can tell us about many of the things that people are thinking and what social themes might be relevant. For example, scholars have learned about life in ancient Pompeii, a Roman city destroyed by a volcano nineteen hundred years ago, by reading the so-called writing on the wall.

Psychologist Ernest Abel tells us that there are multiple motivations for writing on bathroom walls. These include vicarious gratification, personal preoccupations, and the satisfaction of unfulfilled desires. The inspiration might also be a desire to take advantage of a blank wall with a permanent marker to make witty or insightful observations. Sometimes, people might want just to leave their mark on the world or to comment on something they just read.

Many times the graffiti are offensive, racist, or rude pieces of vandalism. They also have meaning for both those who write and those who read them. Just like the cave art of ancient people, the pictures, limericks, and phrases found on the walls of public restrooms can speak volumes about who we are. But be wary of this warning from one restroom poet: While you are reading this, you are peeing on your shoes.