The Origins and Evolution of the Flushable Toilet

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the origins and evolution of the flushable toilet, including its historical inventors and the etymology of related terms. Participants explore various anecdotes and cultural references associated with toilets, including slang terms and humorous takes on the subject.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants mention Thomas Crapper as a notable figure associated with the flushable toilet, while others question the accuracy of this attribution.
  • There are claims that the term "John" is commonly used as slang for toilet, with some participants suggesting it relates to historical figures.
  • One participant humorously suggests that the Irish invented the toilet seat, which was then modified by the English.
  • Discussion includes a humorous take on American innovations related to toilets, such as heated seats and internet-connected porta-potties.
  • Participants share anecdotes about the use of toilet paper versus other methods, leading to lighthearted cultural comparisons.
  • There is a mention of the word "hooker" and its historical context, which leads to further exploration of the term "jon" and its meanings.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion features multiple competing views regarding the origins of the flushable toilet and the meanings of slang terms, with no consensus reached among participants.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about historical details and the accuracy of various claims, indicating a reliance on anecdotal evidence and personal memory rather than established historical facts.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in the cultural history of everyday objects, etymology, and humorous discussions surrounding common terms may find this thread engaging.

Dx
Does anyone know who created the first flushable toliet and what they call it sometimes by name today? I thought it was funny since its been so long since I've heard it called this name.
Dx :wink:
 
Science news on Phys.org
I'm testing my memory instead of my Google skills...

Was it an Englishman named Thomas Crapper??
 


Originally posted by BoulderHead
Was it an Englishman named Thomas Crapper??
Yeah! Cool huh!
Hey brb I got to go use "The Crapper!"
I use that word now a lot, its funny. Great Job!:wink:
 
I am told by the History Channel that Crapper was really the engineer that designed the London sewer system.

I think the toilet was invented by Dumper.






OK I'm kidding. Really: I think I have heard that it was Crane. The name is still seen today.
 
Last edited:
Originally posted by Ivan Seeking
I am told by the History Channel that Crapper was really the engineer that designed the London sewer system.

I think the toilet was invented by Dumper.




You watch unsolved mysteries? Wow! I recall it to be crapper but you may be right Ivan. Interesting!
:wink: Anywayas brb I got to take a Dump.
 
Well if it was the British that invented the flushing toilet, is it not someone called John? Because i understood that another name for toilet is "John" as in i ma going to use the John.

Also did you hear that the Irish invented the toilet seat,




The English Modified it by putting a Hole in it.
 
Originally posted by Andy
Well if it was the British that invented the flushing toilet, is it not someone called John? Because i understood that another name for toilet is "John" as in i ma going to use the John.

Also did you hear that the Irish invented the toilet seat,




The English Modified it by putting a Hole in it.
 
Originally posted by Andy

Also did you hear that the Irish invented the toilet seat,

The English Modified it by putting a Hole in it.

yes I've heard that, and some bright Canadian decided to attach it to a toilet, on an outflow pipe, thereafter...Can You Imagine?!
 
Originally posted by Mr. Robin Parsons
yes I've heard that, and some bright Canadian decided to attach it to a toilet, on an outflow pipe, thereafter...Can You Imagine?!

Yes, but unlike the Canadians (and even the Canadians of today), the Americans use toilet paper rather than their hands.

eNtRopY
 
  • #10
Yea well at least the English arent related to the French! And as for the americans, don't get me started.
 
  • #11
How long until this turns into another argument and then how long until it gets locked? Any Guesses?
 
  • #12
But it took an American to charge a $0.25 drop fee.

It took an American to figure out that we use less toilet paper if it feeds from the bottom rather than the top.

And it took an American to invent heated toilet seats.

And do I even have to mention the internet connected porta-potty?
Now top that!
 
Last edited:
  • #13
Originally posted by eNtRopY
Yes, but unlike the Canadians (and even the Canadians of today), the Americans use toilet paper rather than their hands.

eNtRopY

For attaching a toilet seat to a toilet, WOW that must be soemthing to watch, a plumber, with his hands all wrapped up in toilet paper, securing the seat to the toilet, then, the toilet, to the pipe on the floor.

Do Americans have some kind of special disorder to have the need of the plumber covering his/her hands so??
 
  • #14
Hey everybody! Chill out! I didn't open this thread for you to bash Americans, Canadians or anyone else for that matter.
dxtra :wink:
 
  • #15
On a separate note, did you know that the word "hooker" comes from a leuitentant Jonathan Hooker who during the american civil war used to provide that type of entertainment for his troops? Also explains the word "jon"
 
  • #16
Yes! I must admit I stink at history but I did know that one. I must say I din't know his first name though. Does anyone have anymore history we can learn from? Thats kwool Zantra, thanks for the lesson, dude.
Dx :wink:
 
  • #17
Originally posted by Zantra
Also explains the word "jon"

um, explain please?

im not aware of the word "jon" having any extra meaning, beside being a person's name.
 
  • #18
Originally posted by brum
um, explain please?

im not aware of the word "jon" having any extra meaning, beside being a person's name.

Its also means bathroom, eg; Hey! Brum I got to go to the John dude!"
:wink:
 
  • #19
Originally posted by brum
um, explain please?

im not aware of the word "jon" having any extra meaning, beside being a person's name.

John is also slang for a customer of a professional lady of the evening.
 
  • #20
Originally posted by Ivan Seeking
John is also slang for a customer of a professional lady of the evening.

Yup. LT Jonathan Hooker of the Union forces I believe;)

Hey I'm a plethora of sordid useless information:wink:
 
  • #21
oooh

i thought jon had some new meaning

(i knew that john=toilet and thought that maybe "jon" --without the h-- had a different meaning)
 
  • #22
Originally posted by brum
oooh

i thought jon had some new meaning

(i knew that john=toilet and thought that maybe "jon" --without the h-- had a different meaning)

If I think long enough I may remember where this term comes from...but I think that this John is the paying kind.

Of course we all pay one way or the other...
 

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