john

UK: dʒɒn | US: dʒɑːn

Definition

  1. n. 1. A common given name for males.

  2. n. 2. (slang) A toilet or restroom (chiefly US, informal).

  3. n. 3. (archaic) A prostitute's client.

Structure

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Etymology

The name "John" originates from the Hebrew Yochanan (יוֹחָנָן), meaning "God is gracious." It entered English via Latin Iohannes and Old French Jehan. As a slang term for a toilet (early 20th century), it likely derives from "John the House" (a personification of the household fixture). The sense of "prostitute's client" (mid-19th century) stems from generic male naming conventions.

Examples

  1. John is one of the most common names in English-speaking countries.

  2. Excuse me, where’s the john?

  3. The detective questioned a john seen near the crime scene.

  4. "John Doe" is used to refer to an unidentified male.

  5. She waited for her regular john outside the bar.