Big Bad John – Uncommon Commonalities
Are you Johnny on the spot, a
Johnny-come-lately, or loves you some johnnycake?
It’s no surprise that “John” is a very common
boys’ name, not only in the US, but worldwide, largely due to its revered Bible
references. It still holds court at number forty-two in a list of 100 popular
baby boys’ names (Nameberry’s 2016-so-far).
With all its popularity though, we can’t
escape the dubious double-entendres that plague poor John. Like escaping a
less-than-desirable moment for a trip to the John, and a misguided John with
less than upright morals, looking for lusty love in all the wrong places.
Let’s strip the façade from “John” and have
some fun!
JOHNNY (jänʹē)
n. – a short muslin gown with short
sleeves and a back opening that is closed with ties, worn as by hospital
patients. [WW #78]
Wow – and all this time, I’ve just called it
that f*$%&g hospital gown. See, even a wordsmith can learn a new word every
day. To think the infernal, shapeless flowered contraption that defies covering
your body at your most vulnerable moments, has a real name.
Everyone knows a John. Some are common, some,
like the word and its adaptations, not so much. What John do you know who defies the definition of
common?
Let’s remember that the popularized version of
John is derived from a couple of saints: John the Baptist and the apostle John. And let’s not forget millennia of kings, popes, and emperors who
glorified John. Give the guy a break!
From johnboat to Johnny-jump-up (various
African violets, but more importantly, an Irish drinking song!)
to John Q. Public, and John Dory (a fish), John runs the gamut from saintly to
serious and funny to fishy.
I admit, one of my greatest friends is a John –
of the best kind. But don’t call him johnny
– or late for dinner. I know he’ll appreciate my tongue-in-cheek fun with his
name – and you should feel free to appreciate his ample list of Amazon eBooks, for your reading pleasure.
And share this with the John or Johnny in your life to show you were thinking
about him today! It's dedicated to all of the "Johns" in the world. :-)
Word Challenge: JOHNNY. Go ahead, get that johnny to stay closed and not bare
your backside – I dare you! While your hands are tied in knots behind your
back, have fun fitting johnny into your week of writings!
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