dirt nap

English

Etymology

First attested in 1981; dirt (alluding to a dead person’s burial in the earth) + nap (euphemistic in a manner similar to put to sleep).

Noun

dirt nap (plural dirt naps)

1. (idiomatic, indelicate) A state of permanent rest; the state of death.
   • 1989, Laurence Gonzales, The Still Point, “Anatomy of a Drug Bust”, ‘Two: Fort Harrison’, page 119

     “You go in there without enough men, you’re liable to end up takin’ a dirt nap.”

   • 1994 Christopher Wallace, "Gimmie the Loot", Ready to Die, Christopher Wallace [1]

     When I bust my gat, motherfuckers take dirt naps

   • 2008 Seth Hoffman and Matt Olmstead, "Dirt Nap", Prison Break [2]

     The 54th episode — which deals with a protagonist causing someone's death — is named: Dirt Nap

   • 2008 May 30, "Indiana Jones rides again in 'Crystal Skull'", Kennebeck Journal [3]

     Besides, no one wants to see Indiana take the big dirt nap like a commoner.

   • 2008 June 4, Gary Dzen, "Blog Wars: Part 3", Celtics Blog, The Boston Globe [4]

     ...Sasha could be a big part of either burying Boston when their starters rest or simply allowing Kobe a rest without his own squad getting a dirt nap.

   • 2008 June 6, Steve Campbell, "Astros' promising start withers on road", The Houston Chronicle [5]

     He may as well have dug a 6-foot hole and settled in for a dirt nap.

   • 2008 June 10, Matt Mitovich, "Dirt Nap: Courteney Cox's Series Is Canceled", The CW, KREN, Reno [6]

     Dirt Nap: Courteney Cox's Series Is Canceled

   • 2008 June 18, Steve Elling, "Haney says Woods will be back 'better than ever'", CBS Sports [7]

     Nobody from the Golf Channel, Nike or PGA Tour need bother taking the fast trip to a long dirt nap just yet.