Where did the expression "using the john" come from?

Question

Hey,

I called my friend the other day to pick me up from work and he said he was on the john. I have heard this expression many times but I was just curious as to where it came from.

Thanks for the help,

Conner

Answer 1

The pioneering companies that first brought the toilet to market were more a company of artists than engineers. They put their names boldly and proudly on the products they created. One English company, Thomas Crapper, has more than any other been remembered in name at least as his name became indistinguishable from his product. (Sources also claim that the slang "John" for toilet came from the John Douglas company of Cincinnati putting his name on his toilet for the American market, but actually there were several manufacturers with John in their name.)

Answer 2

because the guy that invented the toilet was named john crapper so thats where it comes from

Answer 3

Probably because the toilet was invented by Sir John Harington.

Answer 4

I dont know...but heres another!

next time you have to dook...

say this!

man! I gotta go drop my kids off at the pool! ha ha

thats funny

Answer 5

i think that john maybe short for "porta-john".