JOHN BULL Meaning and
Definition
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John Bull is a symbol and personification of the typical Englishman, representing the national character, identity, and values of England. Derived from a fictional character created in the early 18th century, John Bull has become an enduring symbol of Englishness and is often used to depict the image of an Englishman in political cartoons, literature, and popular culture.
As a symbol, John Bull portrays various attributes that are commonly associated with the English people. He is perceived as honest, resilient, affable, and patriotic, often depicted wearing a top hat, tailcoat, and Union Jack waistcoat. John Bull is typically shown as a sturdy and down-to-earth individual, often engaged in activities associated with the working class, such as agricultural work or trade.
The character of John Bull is often used in satirical works to represent England as a nation, its politics, and society. His representation can be seen in various literary works, cartoons, and propaganda, particularly during times of national crises or political debates. John Bull has also been used to symbolize the English language, English culture, and the British empire.
In modern usage, the phrase "John Bull" is sometimes used as a colloquial term to refer to the English people or anything typically associated with England. It can also carry a slightly jingoistic connotation, reflecting English nationalism or excessive patriotism.
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A name applied to the whole English people.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for JOHN BULL
- hohn bull
- nohn bull
- mohn bull
- kohn bull
- iohn bull
- uohn bull
- jihn bull
- jkhn bull
- jlhn bull
- jphn bull
- j0hn bull
- j9hn bull
- jogn bull
- jobn bull
- jonn bull
- jojn bull
- joun bull
- joyn bull
- johb bull
Etymology of JOHN BULL
The term "John Bull" is a personification of England or the English people. It has its origins in the early 18th century and was often used in political cartoons and satirical writings. The etymology of the term is not entirely clear, but there are a few theories:
1. John Bull as a common name: One theory suggests that "John Bull" was a common name used to represent an average Englishman. It may have been derived from the popular names "John" and "Bull" (which originally referred to a bull, the male counterpart of a cow). This usage then evolved to symbolize the English nation as a whole.
2. John Bull and the Dutch connection: Another theory links the term to a 17th-century Dutch satirical character named Jan Boel. Jan Boel was depicted as a fat, Dutch businessman - a satire of Dutch traders who were seen as dominant in England at the time.
Similar spelling words for JOHN BULL
- pol Gene,
- John Powell,
- consul,
- Jean Paul,
- Bell, John,
- jean-paul gaultier,
- John Paul,
- Jane Powell,
- blue john,
- Jean-Paul Sartre,
- jonquil,
- Jane Pauley,
- john bale,
- Gene Pool,
- blue gene,
- john ball,
- john blow,
- paul john,
- John Poole,
- jean-paul crespelle,
- Joanna Baillie,
- jean-paul marat,
- blue johnny,
- billie jean,
- john bailey,
- Johnny Ball,
- blue jean,
- jean-paul goude,
- jane beale,
- joan blaeu,
- john pule,
- John Peel,
- peal john,
- Paul-Jean Toulet,
- jean-paul bignon,
- jean-paul belmondo.
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