crapper: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowVulgar, Informal, Humorous
Quick answer
What does “crapper” mean?
A crude or humorous term for a toilet.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A crude or humorous term for a toilet.
Can refer to the act of defecation or, historically, to a person or thing that fails badly. Sometimes used as a vulgar insult for an unreliable person or a worthless thing.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in British and Commonwealth English than in American English, though understood in both.
Connotations
In the UK, it is vulgar but well-established slang. In the US, it may sound somewhat dated or particularly British, and can be perceived as a strong vulgarism.
Frequency
Infrequent in polite conversation in both varieties. Its use in the US might be for deliberate British colour or in specific subcultures.
Grammar
How to Use “crapper” in a Sentence
the + crappergo to + the crapperin + the crapperVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “crapper” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He's a crapper driver than I remembered.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Highly inappropriate; would damage professionalism.
Academic
Completely inappropriate outside of specific sociolinguistic studies.
Everyday
Used cautiously among close friends in informal settings; can cause offense.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crapper”
- Using it in a professional email.
- Assuming it is polite because it is a common slang word.
- Overusing it for comedic effect in mixed company.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Popular etymology links it to Thomas Crapper, a Victorian-era plumbing manufacturer, but linguistic evidence suggests the word 'crap' (from Middle English) predates him. The surname may have reinforced the term.
Generally, no. It is a vulgar term and its use in public, formal, or mixed company is very likely to cause offense or be seen as unrefined.
Register. 'Toilet' is a standard, neutral term. 'Crapper' is a low-register, vulgar slang term with the same core meaning.
Rarely and non-standardly. The verb is almost always 'crap' (to defecate). 'Crapper' is overwhelmingly a noun.
A crude or humorous term for a toilet.
Crapper is usually vulgar, informal, humorous in register.
Crapper: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkræp.ə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkræp.ɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “go down the crapper (to fail or be ruined)”
- “in the crapper (in a terrible state)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CRACKED PAPER roll in the 'crapper' – it's a toilet where the toilet paper sits.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTAINER FOR WASTE / A FAILED STATE IS A TOILET ('The project went down the crapper').
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'crapper' be LEAST appropriate?