Why do Americans call toilets "john"?
by 
singwell-is off researching a lot
ANSWERS: 6
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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.
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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]
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John harrington and Thomas Crapper are often credited with inventing some version of the toilet.. so you get "the john" and "the crapper"
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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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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
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According to Robin Hood Men in Tights we call toilets johns after the tyrannical King John.
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