When you hear phrases like “going to the crapper” or “going to the John,” you might wonder about their origins. Bathroom humor often leads us down historical paths, and in this case, we encounter names like John Harrington and Thomas Crapper. But did John Crapper actually invent the toilet? Let’s delve into the history and separate fact from fiction concerning “John Crapper” and the evolution of toilet terminology.
While it’s a common misconception that John Crapper was the inventor of the toilet, the truth is more nuanced. Sir John Harrington, a writer and inventor, is credited with devising an early version of the flushing toilet as far back as 1596. This invention is indeed why “going to the John” became a euphemism for using the restroom. Harrington’s contribution marks a significant step in the history of sanitation.
However, the story of Thomas Crapper and “john crapper” takes a different turn. Despite popular belief, Thomas Crapper did not invent the flush toilet itself. Instead, Thomas Crapper was a plumbing businessman in the late 19th century who became known for manufacturing and popularizing bathroom fittings that improved the functionality and sanitation of flush toilets. His company secured significant government contracts, boosting his business and public recognition.
One of Thomas Crapper’s notable patents, among his few toilet-related inventions, was for the “floating ballcock.” This device, still used in modern toilets, plays a crucial role in regulating water flow into the toilet tank.
Understanding the Floating Ballcock
The ballcock mechanism is essential to how a flush toilet refills after use. Inside your toilet tank, you’ll find a float, often a ball-shaped object, connected to a lift arm. As water fills the tank, the float rises.
When the water reaches the optimal fill level, the float rises high enough to push the lift arm down. This action shuts off the fill valve, preventing more water from entering the tank. This simple yet effective mechanism ensures the toilet tank has the necessary water for the next flush without overflow.
Interestingly, the “floating ballcock” patented by Crapper was not initially designed for the type of flush toilets we commonly use today. It was intended for siphonic flush toilets. Adding to the confusion, some of Crapper’s advertising materials misleadingly implied he invented the siphonic flush itself, further contributing to the myth of Thomas Crapper as the toilet inventor.
The Real Origin of “Going to the Crapper”
If Thomas Crapper didn’t invent the toilet, how did his name become synonymous with it? The popular explanation traces back to World War I. During the war, American soldiers stationed in England encountered toilets fitted with Thomas Crapper’s company name on them.
For the American soldiers, seeing “Crapper” on these bathroom fixtures led to an association between the name and the toilet itself. Humor and wordplay being common in military culture, “crapper” became a slang term for the toilet, and “going to the crapper” entered the vernacular. This is how Thomas Crapper’s name, or rather “john crapper”, became ingrained in bathroom humor, not because he invented the toilet, but due to a case of mistaken association and catchy alliteration.
In conclusion, while “going to the John” directly relates to John Harrington’s invention of the flushing toilet, “going to the crapper” is a quirk of history and word association linked to the name Thomas Crapper, a prominent figure in bathroom fittings but not the inventor of the toilet itself. Both phrases, however, offer a humorous glimpse into the evolution of sanitation and language.
Sources
- Wikipedia
- History.com
- Snopes.com
- Plumbers and Tradesmen Expertise
