John

I have heard the second only from Americans. I have never heard the last two.

The most common thing to say is simply "Excuse me for a moment."

If you feel you simply must share more:
Excuse me. I have to visit the restroom (American)/ washroom (Canadian)/ loo (British).

If you are commited to using one of those, then "I have to go to the john." I can't remember the last time I heard that phrase used.

Don't refer to the toilet.

Ther

BarbaraPAIf you are committed to using one of those, then "I have to go to the john." I can't remember the last time I heard that phrase used.

It is rather crude. Men might say it. It is not ladylike.

I have never heard a woman say it period but haven't heard anyone say it in ages. Have you?

I was about 25 before I realised that women actually peed. They'd sometimes disappear for a short time, but it was to spend a penny or powder their noses. I just assumed that they weren't cursed with the need to pee that we males were inflicted with.

I don't think I've ever heard anyone actually call it the john.
In the US it's usually the bathroom (at home) or the restroom (away from home).
In the UK it is the loo or the toilet or the bog (slightly vulgar). As 5jj observed, ladies in the UK have their own code words.

Blue JayI don't think I've ever heard anyone actually call it the john.

I used to hear it fairly often, but less and less now. I may be wrong, but I think that usage is fading.

CJ

So, are we heading towards a 'Dear John'?

fivejedjonSo, are we heading towards a 'Dear John'?

BarbaraPAThe most common thing to say is simply "Excuse me for a moment."If you feel you simply must share more:Excuse me. I have to visit the restroom (American)/ washroom (Canadian)/ loo (British).

It's not common to say "Excuse me for a moment", everywhere in the world. The word loo is common but, informal