Please tell me this is not what I think it is, some kind of douche or enema device they left in their shower for guests to see?
We’ve all been there: you check into a hotel, toss your bag on the bed, and make a beeline for the shower after a long day of travel. But then—there it is. Mounted to the wall like some sort of mysterious relic of modern plumbing: a long, sleek, chrome-plated object that looks… well, suggestive. And it squirts water.
At first glance, you might question whether you’ve accidentally wandered into a risqué boutique rather than a reputable hotel. But fear not—what you’re staring at is (probably) not what you think. It’s the handheld bidet sprayer, also known as a shattaf, bum gun, or bidet hose, depending on where in the world you are.
What It Actually Is
This little nozzle has an important purpose. Common in much of Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Europe, the handheld bidet sprayer is a hygienic alternative to toilet paper. It’s connected to the water line and designed to help you wash yourself after using the toilet. Many travelers who try it never go back to paper alone.
Why It’s in the Shower
Sometimes, hotels install the sprayer in or near the shower because it’s the most convenient plumbing access point. In other cases, it might actually be a detachable shower head—especially in countries where shower fixtures double as handheld sprays for rinsing down the walls, cleaning, or washing hair.
If you’re unsure which you’re dealing with, check the setup:
- If it’s next to the toilet — it’s a bidet sprayer.
- If it’s part of the shower hose — it’s just a detachable shower head.
- If you’re still not sure — turn the handle very slowly unless you want to redecorate the bathroom in record time.
Cultural Context
In many Western countries, the sight of such a device can spark confusion or giggles, but in much of the world, it’s considered the gold standard for personal cleanliness. The “phallic water sprayer” might look comical to the uninitiated, but it’s actually a small symbol of global hygiene diversity.
The Takeaway
So, the next time you encounter one of these mysterious chrome contraptions in a hotel bathroom, don’t panic. You’re not in the wrong kind of establishment. You’ve simply discovered a piece of plumbing that represents how differently we all approach the same daily rituals.
And who knows — after giving it a try, you might just come home wondering why you don’t have a little phallic water-squirting object in your bathroom too.
