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Why Is the Toilet Called a “Throne” and Where Did the Term Come From?

By Karen Hill

The word throne is simply a euphemism for toilet, and we have plenty of them for subjects that are considered unmentionable.

toilet throne

There are many more names for the toilet, such as: hopper, Johnny, janey, loo, potty, or privy.

This particular euphemism, throne, is said to have come from none other than King Louis XIV, who often saw to royal business from his toilet, deeming it an alternative to his usual throne.

Early water flushing toilets were found at Skara Brae in Orkney, Scotland, which date from about 3100 B.C. until 2500 B.C.

Related

  • How Did the Toilet Get its Name, What Does Toilet Mean In French, and Where Did the Toilet Come From?
  • Where does the word "Toilet" come from and What does the word Toilet mean in French?
  • Why Did Emperor Menelek II of Ethiopia Use An Electric Chair As a Throne?
  • Who was the British king who had his two young nephews killed so they couldn't take the throne?
  • How old was Queen Elizabeth when she assumed the throne?
  • Has Queen Elizabeth had the British throne the longest?

Filed Under: History

About Karen Hill

Karen Hill is a freelance writer, editor, and columnist. Born in New York, her work has appeared in the Examiner, Yahoo News, Buzzfeed, among others.

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