Why are long johns called long johns?
Mystery Hour Question
Why are long johns called long johns?
Peter, on holiday in St Anton
Answer
Name: Tony, Sidcup
Qualification: His father-in-law used to work on the docks wearing Long Johns
Answer: They were named after a boxer in the 19th Century, who was called John L. Sullivan, and they were his attire in the boxing ring so people used to call them ‘John Ls’. ‘John Ls’ turned into ‘Long Johns’.