How Do You Spell JOHNNIES-COME-LATELY?

Pronunciation: [d͡ʒˈɒnɪzkˈʌmlˈe͡ɪtli] (IPA)

Johnnies-come-lately is a phrase that describes someone or something that has arrived late to a particular situation or trend. The spelling of this phrase may seem confusing at first glance, but it can be easily understood using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription. The first syllable, "johnnies," is pronounced /ˈdʒɑ:nɪz/. The second syllable, "come," is pronounced /kʌm/. The third and fourth syllables, "la" and "tely," are pronounced together as /leɪtli/. Together, the phrase is pronounced /ˈdʒɑ:nɪz kʌm ˈleɪtli/.

JOHNNIES-COME-LATELY Meaning and Definition

  1. The term "johnnies-come-lately" is an idiomatic expression used to describe individuals who have recently arrived or become involved in a particular activity, organization, or place, implying that they lack experience, knowledge, or commitment compared to those who have been involved for a longer period. This term is typically used in a slightly derogatory manner, suggesting that the latecomers are not as deserving or trustworthy as those who have been present or involved from the beginning.

    The phrase "johnnies-come-lately" can be applied to various contexts, such as politics, business, or social groups, where established members may view newcomers with skepticism, distrust, or even disdain. It carries an implication that the late arrivals are trying to capitalize on existing circumstances or ride the coattails of the efforts made by others.

    The term "johnnies-come-lately" combines the name "Johnnie," which is a generic nickname, with the phrase "come lately," indicating recent arrival. The origins of this expression can be traced back to the 19th century, where it was likely first used in British or American English to criticize individuals who appeared late to popular events, trends, or social movements.

    Overall, "johnnies-come-lately" is a pejorative term used to suggest that someone lacks the necessary experience, dedication, or credibility due to their tardy involvement or arrival in a particular situation.

Common Misspellings for JOHNNIES-COME-LATELY

  • johnniespcome-lately
  • johnnies-comeplately
  • johnnies0-come-lately
  • johnnies-0come-lately
  • johnniesp-come-lately
  • johnnies-pcome-lately
  • johnnies-come0-lately
  • johnnies-come-0lately
  • johnnies-comep-lately
  • johnnies--come-lately
  • johnnies-come--lately
  • johnniesmcome-lately
  • johnnies-comemlately
  • jowennies-come-lately
  • Johnnies-Comes-Latelys

Etymology of JOHNNIES-COME-LATELY

The phrase "johnnies-come-lately" originated in the late 18th century as a derogatory term used to describe someone who is new and inexperienced, who arrives after others have established themselves or after a significant event has taken place.

The term is a combination of the name "John" (a generic name often used to refer to an ordinary or average person) and the phrase "come-lately" (derived from the verb "to come" and the adverb "lately", meaning recently). It essentially suggests that these individuals named John have only recently arrived or become involved in a particular situation, community, or group, indicating that they lack the experience and familiarity of those who have been there for longer.

The phrase likely reflects a common pattern of naming and mocking newcomers across different cultures and time periods.

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