What does “John Hancock” mean?
The phrase "John Hancock" refers to a person's signature or autograph. It is often used to indicate the act of signing one's name on a document or an item as a form of authentication or endorsement.
How is the expression used in real life?
Example
Please put your John Hancock at the bottom of the contract to make it official.
Example
I need your John Hancock on this form to confirm your agreement.
Example
His John Hancock is so distinctive; you can't mistake it for anyone else's.
What context can I use each expression in?
- 1Formal or legal documents
Please put your John Hancock at the bottom of the contract to make it official.
I need your John Hancock on this form to confirm your agreement.
- 2Distinctive or recognizable signatures
His John Hancock is so distinctive; you can't mistake it for anyone else's.
I saw an autograph with the John Hancock of a famous celebrity.
- 3Referring to the act of signing
He quickly put his John Hancock on the document and handed it back.
The artist signed the painting with a small John Hancock in the corner.
Good things to know:
What is the origin of the phrase?
The phrase "John Hancock" originated in the United States and is named after John Hancock, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He was the first person to sign the United States Declaration of Independence, and his signature became synonymous with the act of signing.
Can the phrase be used on its own?
The phrase "John Hancock" is typically used within a sentence to refer to someone's signature. It is not commonly used on its own.
Is the phrase offensive?
The phrase "John Hancock" is not offensive. It is a slang term used to refer to a person's signature or autograph.
Audience for the phrase
The phrase "John Hancock" is commonly used by English speakers in the United States. It is understood by people familiar with American slang and culture.
Is the phrase specific to an accent or country?
The phrase "John Hancock" is specific to the United States, as it is named after one of the Founding Fathers. It may not be as widely recognized or used in other English-speaking regions.
