noun
Common
Johnny
JON-ee
Johnny (noun) means British slang for a condom. Example: “Make sure you've got a johnny before you go out.”
noun
1
British slang for a condom.
"Make sure you've got a johnny before you go out."
2
A hospital gown that fastens at the back.
"The nurse handed her a johnny to change into before the scan."
"His hand shook. A little water spilled down the front of the hospital johnny Sean wore."
— Stephen King, Needful Things (1991)
How to use Johnny
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn informal British word for a condom, or (in US hospitals) the open-backed gown patients wear.
When to use it
The condom sense is casual British slang; the gown sense is common informal American usage.
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Word forms
- Plural
- johnnies
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Make sure you've got a _____ before you go out.
Etymology
From the personal name John, used generically as slang for various everyday objects.
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “Johnny” mean?
The word “Johnny” means british slang for a condom. In plain terms, an informal British word for a condom, or (in US hospitals) the open-backed gown patients wear.
How do you pronounce “Johnny”?
“Johnny” is pronounced JON-ee (/ˈd͡ʒɑn.i/ in IPA).
How do you use “Johnny” in a sentence?
Here is “Johnny” used in a sentence: “Make sure you've got a johnny before you go out.”
What is another word for “Johnny”?
Words with a similar meaning to “Johnny” include bathroom and and Thesaurus:chamber pot.
What part of speech is “Johnny”?
“Johnny” is a noun.
Is “Johnny” a common word?
“Johnny” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “Johnny” have?
“Johnny” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: british slang for a condom.
What is the difference between "johnny" the slang word and "Johnny" the name?
Lowercase "johnny" is British slang, most commonly for a condom and sometimes for a hospital gown that fastens at the back. Capitalized "Johnny" is a personal name, usually a short form of John. Context and capitalization make the meaning clear.
Is "johnny" British or American slang?
The slang senses of "johnny" — a condom or a back-fastening hospital gown — are chiefly British. American English rarely uses these meanings and would use the plain terms instead. It is informal and mainly heard in the UK.
What are the two main slang meanings of "johnny"?
In British slang, "johnny" most often refers to a condom, and separately to a hospital gown that ties at the back. The intended meaning depends entirely on context. Both uses are informal.
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