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General

johnny pump

What does johnny pump mean?

The classic New York word for a fire hydrant, especially one opened to cool off on hot summer days.

"The kids were running through the johnny pump all August."

Origin

NYC regionalism for fire hydrant; various folk etymologies tie it to 19th-century New York.

Frequently asked questions

What is a 'johnny pump'?
It's the classic New York word for a fire hydrant, especially one opened to cool off on hot summer days.
Where is 'johnny pump' used?
It's a New York City regionalism, with various folk etymologies tying it to 19th-century New York.
How do you use 'johnny pump' in a sentence?
Use it for a fire hydrant, like 'The kids were running through the johnny pump all August.'
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Slang definitions: FreeDict original editorial.