john
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
A prostitute's client.
Register: slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
The girls sat there while the johns (customers) moped around giving them the once-over.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
A device or place for urination and defecation: now usually a toilet or lavatory, but also (dated) a chamber pot or outhouse.
Register: slang
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 3
Meaning · English
A Western man traveling in East Asia.
Register: slang
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “john” mean?
A prostitute's client.
Is “john” formal or informal?
john is generally slang.