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weasel1207
Joined: 14 Dec 2008
Posts: 2
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 Posted: Wed Dec 17, 2008 6:35 am Post subject: what do "the john" and "the loo" mean? |
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Dear teachers:
Sometimes I would hear these words, "the john" and "the loo".
I don't know these words and can't find their meanings on my dictionary.
Please help me!
Thanks.
Weasel |
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Bob S.
Joined: 29 Apr 2004
Posts: 1767
Location: So. Cal
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| Posted: Wed Dec 17, 2008 9:05 am Post subject: Re: what do "the john" and "the loo" mea |
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| weasel1207 wrote: |
Sometimes I would hear these words, "the john" and "the loo".
I don't know these words and can't find their meanings on my dictionary |
The actual word origins are lost in time, but here is a reasonable guess:
john could refer to Sir John Harrington, a British writer who invented the first flush toilet in the 16th century.
loo could refer to lee as in leeward, often pronounced as looward in some British English, which means down wind. Sailors who needed to relieve themselves did not have toilets but would go to the down-wind side of the ship to urinate over the side.
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"It is impossible to speak in such a way that you cannot be misunderstood." -- Karl Popper |
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weasel1207
Joined: 14 Dec 2008
Posts: 2
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| Posted: Sun Dec 21, 2008 4:42 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks for your answer!!
It's really help me |
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