Johnny house is a term used for an outdoor toilet or outhouse. The phonetic transcription of the word "johnny" is /ˈdʒɒni/ which is pronounced as JAH-nee. The spelling of the word "house" is straightforward. However, the origin of the term "Johnny house" is still unclear. Some sources say that it was derived from the name of a person who used to build such outhouses, while others suggest it was named after a popular brand of toilets known as "Johnny-on-the-spot". Nonetheless, the term has been used since the early 1900s to refer to outdoor toilets.
A "Johnny house" refers to a portable toilet or bathroom facility, typically found at construction sites, outdoor events, or other temporary locations. It is a colloquial term used mainly in North America. The term "Johnny" is believed to originate from the nickname for a generic, often unspecified male individual.
Johnny houses are usually small, self-contained structures that serve as a temporary solution for sanitation needs. They are typically made of lightweight materials such as plastic or fiberglass, making them easy to transport and set up wherever required. These structures are equipped with a toilet seat, a holding tank for waste, and a small chemical or microbial treatment system to control odor and break down the waste.
These portable toilets are essential in places where permanent restroom facilities are not available or inconvenient to install. Construction sites, music festivals, camping grounds, and public events commonly utilize Johnny houses to ensure the hygiene and comfort of workers, participants, or attendees.
While the specific designs and features of Johnny houses may vary, their main purpose remains consistent – providing a temporary and convenient solution for human waste disposal. They help maintain cleanliness and sanitation in diverse temporary settings, ensuring the health and well-being of individuals in need of restroom facilities.
The word "johnny house" is a colloquial term commonly used in the United States to refer to a portable, makeshift outdoor toilet. The term originated in the early 20th century and is believed to be an amalgamation of two different words.
The first part, "johnny", is thought to be a generic or colloquial term for a man or person, similar to "John Doe" or "John Q. Public". It is derived from the common given name "John", which has been used as a placeholder or generic term in various contexts.
The second part, "house", is used to describe a structure or shelter that provides privacy and protection. When combined, "johnny house" can be loosely translated to mean a small shelter or enclosure for personal use. Over time, the term became associated with outdoor toilets that were often used by workers or used in temporary settings, such as construction sites or campsites.