# Johnnie

/ˈdʒɑni/ (US) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/johnnie
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a rubber cover for a man's penis used during sex to prevent pregnancy or disease. It is a very informal word for a condom.

For teachers: a prophylactic sheath worn on the penis during sexual intercourse. Informal in register; primarily used in British and Australian English.

## Examples

- He made sure he had a johnnie in his wallet.
- The health clinic distributed free johnnies to students as part of their safe sex awareness campaign.
- While formal medical literature uses the term condom, colloquial speech in certain regions often substitutes it with johnnie, reflecting a more casual or euphemistic approach to discussing contraception.

## Usage notes

- Informal British and Australian slang; avoid in formal or professional contexts.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.