A British potty is most often simply called a 'potty'—a small, plastic seat for toddlers learning to use the toilet. However, older or regional terms like 'gazunder,' 'jerry,' or 'chamber pot' are still heard, especially among older generations or in certain areas.
Common terms for a British potty
The word 'potty' is the standard term used by most parents and children across the UK today. It's a child-friendly diminutive that softens the topic of toilet training. While modern plastic potties are common, some families still use the term 'chamber pot' to describe the older, ceramic versions used before indoor plumbing was widespread.
Regional and historical variations
In northern England, particularly Yorkshire and Lancashire, some people call a potty a 'jerry.' The origin is uncertain, but it may come from World War I slang, where German soldiers were nicknamed 'Jerries'—their helmets resembling old chamber pots. In Scotland, you might hear 'gazunder,' a term derived from 'goes under,' referring to the pot kept under the bed at night.
What 'gazunder' really means
The word 'gazunder' comes from the phrase 'goes under the bed.' Before indoor toilets, many homes kept a ceramic pot under the bed for nighttime use. Pulling it out in the morning meant retrieving the pot that 'goes under.' Over time, the phrase slurred into 'gazunder.' Today, it's used with a hint of nostalgia or humor, especially by parents referencing older household habits.
Other British terms and slang
In London, rhyming slang sometimes influences potty terms. 'Tom', from 'Tom Tit', rhymes with a common word for feces and may be used playfully. The term 'po' is occasionally heard, borrowed from French 'pot de chambre,' and used in upper-middle-class households. 'Loo' is more common for the main toilet, not the child's potty, but marks the next stage after potty training.
How British terms differ from American ones
In the US, people often say 'potty chair' or 'training toilet,' which are rarely used in Britain. Americans also use 'bathroom' or 'restroom' for the room, even without a bath. In the UK, 'potty' refers to the object, not the room. British English retains more historical and regional variety, while American terms tend to be more functional and uniform.
Common misunderstandings
Some people confuse a child's plastic potty with an antique chamber pot, but they belong to different eras. The chamber pot was a necessity in homes without plumbing, often made of ceramic and stored under the bed. Today's potty is portable, lightweight, and designed for toddlers. Also, regional terms like 'gazunder' or 'jerry' are not universal, using them outside their local context might cause confusion.