The phrase "puts one john hancock on" is a colloquialism that means to sign one's name. The word "Hancock" is capitalized because it refers to the American statesman and founding father John Hancock, who famously signed the Declaration of Independence. The correct spelling of "Hancock" is /ˈhænkək/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with stress on the first syllable. When spelling this word, be sure to include the "c" at the end and avoid mistakenly writing "Handcock."
To "put one's John Hancock on" something is an idiomatic expression primarily used in informal speech that refers to a person's act of signing or endorsing a document, agreement, or any other written material, usually in their own distinctive handwriting.
The phrase originated from the signature of John Hancock, an American statesman and one of the founding fathers of the United States. As president of the Second Continental Congress in 1776, John Hancock was the first to sign the Declaration of Independence, and his signature was particularly large and bold. Consequently, his name became synonymous with a person's signature in general.
The expression "puts one's John Hancock on" carries a connotation of personal responsibility and commitment, implying that by signing a document, the person acknowledges and affirms the content or terms within it. It often implies that the signer has read and understood the material, and their signature signifies their agreement or endorsement.
This figurative expression is commonly used in informal conversations, especially when referring to official or significant documents. It emphasizes the act of signing and adds a touch of informality or colloquialism to the context. Note that the phrase is primarily used in American English, while alternatives such as "put one's signature" or "signed one's name" are more common in other varieties of English.