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by mysticdeliria on June 4th, 2007
I'm not sure...but maybe because toilets are also called johnny-on-the-spots?
Johnny-on-the-spot--A person who is available when needed, as in He always is there at the right time, a real Johnny-on-the-spot. [Late 1800s]
by El Soupy spanish for the soupy on June 4th, 2007
John harrington and Thomas Crapper are often credited with inventing some version of the toilet.. so you get "the john" and "the crapper"
by Kyogre-Stataen on June 4th, 2007
I do not know but suspect it has to do with privacy and anonymity. John as in John Doe and Dear John is American for any man or unknown man thus private in a way.
by MRD is sleeping in a gutter. on February 3rd, 2009
According to Robin Hood Men in Tights we call toilets johns after the tyrannical King John.
by Barcaluv on February 3rd, 2009
Etymology Online dictionary says:
"toilet," 1932, probably from jack, jakes, used for "toilet" since 16c.
http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?search=john&searchmode=none
by Skariff on February 3rd, 2009
Thomas Crapper was a plumber. While he didn't invent the flush toilet, he did much to popularize it through his business. Thus, happy with their new toilets, flushed the crap out of them. John Harrington, on the other hand, is credited by some as having invented the flush toilet, thus going to the "john"..............
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