Different Names People Use for Porta Potties

When I first started renting portable restrooms for events, I noticed something funny — everyone seems to have a different name for them. Depending on where you are in the US or who you talk to, people call porta potties all sorts of things. They all mean roughly the same thing, but each name has its own little twist.

Common Alternatives to “Porta Potty”

Here are some of the most common names I’ve heard:

• Portable toilet – The most straightforward and professional term. It’s what rental companies usually use in contracts or listings.
  

• Porta john – A classic American nickname, especially popular in the Midwest and East Coast.
  

• Porta loo – Borrowed from British slang, sometimes used in parts of the US by event planners or travelers.
  

• Honey bucket – A term used by some rental companies in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. It’s also a popular brand name.
  

• Chemical toilet – Refers to how the waste is broken down and deodorized with chemicals instead of plumbing.
  

• Mobile restroom – A slightly fancier term used for upgraded or luxury units at weddings and corporate events.
  

• Portable restroom – Another clean, neutral term often used in marketing or city permit applications.
  
  

When the Name Changes the Meaning

Some of these names actually hint at what type of unit you’re talking about. For example:

• If someone says restroom trailer, they’re probably referring to a larger, luxury setup with sinks, lights, and flushing toilets.
  

• Construction toilet usually means a standard, rugged unit meant for long-term job sites.
  

• Event toilet is used for temporary rentals at fairs or concerts, where there’s a higher focus on cleanliness and appearance.
  

No matter what you call it — porta john, honey bucket, or mobile restroom — it all serves the same purpose: giving people a clean, private space wherever plumbing isn’t available.