Who first called outhouses 'johns' and why?

smartie

John is yet another euphemism for a toilet, and while the exact reason for it being chosen as such a euphemism is not known, what is known is that it was originally Cousin John, as evidenced by a rule published at Harvard College in 1735. That rule, according to William and Mary Morris, was: 'No Freshman shall go into the Fellows' Cousin John.' Jan 15 02, 1:02 AM

Son of The Household Cavalry

The things were invented by one John C Crapper which also explains another name by which they are known. Jan 15 02, 8:26 AM

Gnomon

Toilets were not invented by John Crapper. They were improved by Thomas Crapper (or at least he bought the rights to the invention and made a lot of money out of it). So this is nothing to do with the question posed here. Jan 15 02, 12:11 PM

Stevo

In Shakespearean time, there was a word 'jakes' used for a privy. Cassells believes that this led in time to association with the name Jack, a form of John, and thus the use of John. Jan 16 02, 8:35 AM

Create a Free FunTrivia ID to add to, request more/new answers, or edit this entry

In the Grand National at Aintree, a horse called "The Pie" was first past the post but was disqualified. Why and who was the jockey? Who was the first First Lady to be called "First Lady"? Who is the only US president to receive an earned Ph.D. in history from Johns Hopkins University? When and why was any cat first called Tiddles?

1 Famous Johns, Dear Johns These are some of my favorite Johns. See how many you know and learn something new about them that maybe you didn't know before. Birth and Stage Name Easy 10 Q heavensarrow Jun 24 08 1821 plays 2 Johns Hopkins More than just lacrosse and more than just the Medical School. Fifteen questions about "America's first research university." Colleges & Universities Very Difficult 15 Q ignotus Mar 30 08 228 plays 3 A Diorama of Daniel Johns In my opinion, one of the most brillant songwriters of today, but do you really know anything about him? J Tough 10 Q abbeylane Jul 07 02 204 plays