Where did the phrase cut cheese originate and why was its meaning associated with a bodily function?

There are a few theories about the origin of the phrase "cut cheese," but the most likely one is that it originated in the late 1800s or early 1900s as a euphemism for farting.

One theory is that the phrase came from the fact that some cheeses, such as cheddar and stilton, have a strong smell when cut. This smell is often compared to the smell of flatulence, which is why the phrase "cut cheese" came to be associated with farting.

Another theory is that the phrase originated in the dairy industry. In the old days, cheesemakers would often use a knife to cut the curds into small pieces. This process would release a lot of gas, which would cause the cheesemakers to fart. The phrase "cut cheese" may have been used to describe this process.

Whatever its origin, the phrase "cut cheese" has been used to refer to farting for over a century. It is a common expression in many English-speaking countries, and it is often used in a humorous way.