Honest John

noun

1. Informal.
   1. an honest, sincere man.
   2. a man so trusting and innocent that he may be easily cheated or deceived.
2. a surface-to-surface, single-stage U.S. artillery rocket.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Honest John¹

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

A man of many car incarnations, Holzer was once the “Honest John” dealer, decked out in white robes, wings and an illuminated halo.

From Los Angeles Times

Honest John took me backstage, and he introduced me to Bob Sumner, who is the creator and owner of Def Comedy Jam.

From Salon

The way I got Def Jam is I was friends with a comic named Honest John, who was on BET's "ComicView."

From Salon

I met Honest John, and he took me on the road.

From Salon

I remember standing backstage, and Honest John brought Bob Sumner up to me.

From Salon