Meaning of book bowels | Babel Free

Definitions

Synonym of Mariko Aoki phenomenon and plural of book bowel; a tendency to experience bowel movements as a result of being within a bookstore.

Examples

“"It's more common than people realize⟳, and I think⟳ people are just embarrassed to talk⟳ about it," he says. "I've also heard it called called 'book bowels.' I think⟳ that name⟳ speaks for itself." We asked Dr. Islam what theories might help⟳ explain⟳ the strange phenomenon. ... For "book bowels" specifically, possible theories include⟳ the smell⟳ of paper or ink having a laxative effect, the nervousness that may arise⟳ from all of the books present⟳...”

“It's unofficially called "Book Bowels" or the "Mariko Aoki phenomenon" and is a psychological issue⟳ where our brains trigger our body into a "fight⟳ or flight" reaction based on our history with similar environments.”

“As for what might cause ‘book bowels’, the gastroenterologist said: The intensity of the information that you encounter in museums and libraries—or the sudden quiet of a garden—can trigger an autonomic response in your gut.”

“TikTok users have⟳ been speaking about needing to poo whenever they are in a bookshop or, as it is known to some, ‘book bowels’. According to users, the sudden urge⟳ to poo happens to them as soon as they walk⟳ into bookshops or libraries...”

“Today, the phenomenon has made its way to TikTok, with some using the term ‘book bowels’ to describe⟳ it.”

CEFR level