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[138] Since the ‘Ajax’ went into disrepute (see footnote 118) the Jake became the common word for the recently invented flush-toilet.
Since then the Jake has changed many names: Water-Closet, Latrine, Lavatory, Loo, Potty, Privvi, John, Pothole, Crapper -- to name but a few.
One wonders how the repulsion felt by humans towards their excrement made them look up names that would also keep the stench away.
The first official patent of the toilet as we know it, was done by Alexander Cummings, in 1775.
Know more names and nickname?
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