Editing John (section)

== In culture and idiom ==

John has entered the [[English language]] in several common expressions and compound nouns. The term ''[[john (slang)|john]]'' is an informal word for a toilet or lavatory, particularly in American English, with usage recorded from the early 20th century. ''[[Dear John letter]]'' refers to a letter ending a romantic relationship, popularised during [[World War II]] when servicemen abroad received such letters from partners at home.<ref>Quinion, Michael (2004). ''Port Out, Starboard Home''. Penguin Books.</ref>

''[[John Doe]]'' is used in the [[United States]] and [[Canada]] as a placeholder name for an unknown or anonymous male individual, particularly in legal contexts. The equivalent in the [[United Kingdom]] is traditionally ''John Smith.'' The name also appears in ''[[John Hancock (expression)|John Hancock]]'', an American slang expression for a signature, referencing the famously large signature of [[Founding Fathers of the United States|Founding Father]] [[John Hancock]] on the [[United States Declaration of Independence|Declaration of Independence]].<ref>Hendrickson, Robert (1997). ''Encyclopedia of Word and Phrase Origins''. Facts on File.</ref>