Manure: In the 16th and 17th centuries, everything had to be transported
by
ship and it was also before commercial fertilizer's invention, so large
shipments of manure were common.

It was shipped dry, because in dry form it weighed a lot less than when
wet,
but once water (at sea) hit it, it not only became heavier, but the
process
of fermentation began again, of which a by product is methane gas.
As the stuff was stored below decks in bundles you can see what could
(and
did) happen.

Methane began to build up below decks and the first time someone came
below
at night with a lantern, BOOOOM!

Several ships were destroyed in this manner before it was determined
just
what was happening.

After that, the bundles of manure were always stamped with the term
"Ship
High In Transit" on them, which meant for the sailors to stow it high
enough
off the lower decks so that any water that came into the hold would not
touch
this volatile cargo and start the production of methane.

Thus evolved the term " S.H.I.T " , (Ship High In Transport) which has
come
down through the centuries and is in use to this very day.

You probably did not know the true history of this word.

Isnt there another famous 4 letter word that started out as an
acronym something like "Fornacation Under Command (of the) King?

I don't know Michelle why don't you come show me the word you are
talking about?

My boss always refered to his S.H.I.T List

Special High Intensive Training List

well holy Ship High In Transport, ya learn something new every day.

that is cute