- John
- 1. a lavatoryThe cousin John people said they had to visit as they absented themselves from company:Running back and forth, practically living in the John. (Theroux, 1975)(I once worked for a manufacturer of casements in Cardiff called 'Jonwindows'. Happily our range was more extensive than the title might have suggested.)2. Americana woman's extramarital sexual partnerSometimes, but not necessarily, he is married to a third party.3. a male homosexual playing the male roleA homosexual pair were once called John and Joan, although this may not be the origin of this usage, as the name John appears to be some kind of catch-all so far as taboo activities are concerned.4. American a policemanA shortened form of John Law:So the Johns came for him. (Chandler, 1939)I'd have no trouble with John Law. (Sanders, 1982)5. American a potential customer for a prostituteProstitutes' jargon:Our hustlers sat on their steps and called to the 'Johns' as they passed by. (L. Armstrong, 1955)A cheap john is a brothel.
How not to say what you mean: A dictionary of euphemisms. R. W. Holder. 2014.