Johnny

or John·nie

[ jon-ee ]

noun

, plural John·nies

1. (sometimes lowercase) a familiar term of address for a man or boy.
2. (sometimes lowercase) Slang. a short, collarless gown that is fastened in back and is worn by hospital patients, persons being examined in a doctor's office, etc.
3. (lowercase) Slang. toilet; bathroom.
4. a male given name, form of John.

johnny

/ ˈdʒɒnɪ /

noun

1. informal.
   often capital a man or boy; chap
2. a slang word for condom

Word History and Origins

Origin of Johnny¹

First recorded in 1665–75; John + -y ²

Example Sentences

One of the greatest magic tricks I ever saw unfolded when Johnny Carson invited the illusionist Uri Geller on “The Tonight Show” to bend a spoon with his mind.

From New York Times

He likened Clark’s skills to those of Johnny Mercer, the Tin Pan Alley icon who wrote “Moon River” and co-founded Capitol Records in 1942.

From Los Angeles Times

Other big names in the show include Sue Johnston and Johnny Vegas.

From BBC

After being freed from the camp, Johnny went on to become Britain’s first black barrister, Sierra Leone Attorney General and was also a pivotal figure in the Windrush generation.

From BBC

The teenage Johnny’s body was found Sunday morning.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• contraceptive