noun
Common
johnson
JON-suhn
Johnson (noun) means Vulgar slang for the penis.
noun
1
Vulgar slang for the penis.
How to use johnson
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA crude, joking slang word for the penis, based on the common surname.
When to use it
Vulgar slang — avoid in formal writing.
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Word forms
- Plural
- johnsons
Etymology
Like several other common male names used as slang for the penis (e.g. "peter"), "Johnson" was adopted as a euphemistic nickname.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
Is johnson a rude word?
As slang for the male anatomy, "johnson" is informal and regarded as vulgar, so it is out of place in formal, professional, or polite settings. It is milder and more comic than many alternatives and is often used humorously, but it still belongs to casual speech rather than clinical or respectful writing.
Is johnson always slang?
No. "Johnson" is most commonly a surname and given name, as in Samuel Johnson or Lyndon B. Johnson, and it appears in place names and brand names too. The anatomical slang sense is entirely separate and informal. Context and capitalization usually make the intended meaning clear.
Where does the slang johnson come from?
The origin is uncertain. The anatomical slang, recorded in American English from the mid-twentieth century, is one of many ordinary personal names humorously applied to a body part. Its exact source is undocumented, though its familiarity as a common surname likely helped it catch on as a euphemism.
What is the meaning of johnson?
"johnson" (noun) means vulgar slang for the penis.
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