How WWI soldiers helped turn a brand name into common slang
In short: Ever wondered why we call the toilet 'the crapper' or 'the john'? This video explores how a specific British manufacturing company and the movements of soldiers during the First World War helped cement these terms in the English language.
The term 'crapper' originated from the company Thomas Crapper & Co Ltd, which manufactured the majority of toilets in England during the First World War. Because the company's name was prominently displayed on the porcelain, U.S. soldiers stationed in England began using the brand name as a slang term for the fixture itself. These soldiers eventually brought the expression back to the United States, where it became part of the common vernacular.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Why is The Toilet Commonly Known as the Crapper (or John)?
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