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John Bull for Dummies

noun

pronunciation: dʒɑn_bul

What does John Bull really mean?

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John Bull is actually not a single word but a phrase that refers to a well-known fictional character who has become a symbol of the typical Englishman. Now, let's dive into who this John Bull guy is and why he has become so important in English culture and language.

Imagine you have a friend named John, and he's someone who embodies all the qualities and characteristics that people commonly associate with English people. He's got a jolly and burly figure, always wearing a smart suit and a top hat, and loves to drink tea and eat scones. He's also known for being a bit stubborn, but with a good sense of humor. Well, that's John Bull!

In a broader sense, the name "John Bull" has also come to represent the nation of England as a whole. Just like you might think of Captain America when you think of the United States, John Bull is seen as a symbolic figure that represents the people and culture of England.

The origins of this character date back to the 18th century, when a British cartoonist named John Arbuthnot created him as a way to satirize various political and social situations in England. Through his cartoons, Arbuthnot portrayed John Bull as a sort of national hero, a representative of the common man, and a symbol of English values and traditions.

Over time, John Bull became so popular that his name started being used to refer to anything that was typically English. It became a way to describe the people, the culture, or even the language of England. So, when someone says "that's very John Bull," they mean it has all the typical characteristics or qualities associated with England and its people.

In conclusion, "John Bull" is a phrase that refers to a fictional character who represents the typical Englishman and the nation of England. It's a way to describe something as being typically English, like how Superman represents the idea of an American superhero. So, if you ever come across the term "John Bull," now you know that it's not just a name but a symbol of the English people and their culture.

Revised and Fact checked by Emma Johnson on 2023-10-29 13:25:50

John Bull In a sentece

Learn how to use John Bull inside a sentece

  • John Bull is a fictional character often used to represent England or the English people. For example, in a cartoon, John Bull might be shown wearing a bowler hat and holding an umbrella, symbolizing the typical Englishman.
  • Have you heard of the saying 'John Bull would never happen'? It means that something is highly unlikely or improbable to occur. For instance, if someone told you that it's going to snow in the middle of summer, you could say 'That's John Bull!'
  • John Bull is also a brand of strong adhesive tape that is often used for repairs. You might use John Bull tape to fix a torn book cover or to keep a broken toy together.
  • In history, John Bull was sometimes used to refer to the British government or the British monarchy. For example, during the American Revolution, some American colonists would refer to the British authorities as 'those loyal to John Bull.'
  • The phrase 'John Bull's Other Island' is the title of a play written by George Bernard Shaw. It's a comedy that explores the cultural differences and stereotypes between Ireland and England.

John Bull Synonyms

Words that can be interchanged for the original word in the same context.

John Bull Hypernyms

Words that are more generic than the original word.