Johnsonian

[ jon-soh-nee-uhn ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of Samuel Johnson or his works.
2. having the quality of Johnsonese.

noun

1. a person who writes in the Johnsonian style.
2. a teacher or critic who specializes in the works of Samuel Johnson.

Johnsonian

/ dʒɒnˈsəʊnɪən /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of Samuel Johnson, his works, or his style of writing

Other Words From

• John·soni·an·ism noun
• John·soni·an·ly adverb
• post-John·soni·an adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of Johnsonian¹

First recorded in 1785–95; Johnson + -ian

Example Sentences

In the coming days, the future of the Ukraine war may be decided, either by a show of Johnsonian courage or by Putin’s pals in the GOP.

From Seattle Times

“He’s quite rare in being directly associated with both Cameron-Osborne austerity and Johnsonian hard Brexit,” said Jonathan Portes, a professor of economics and public policy at Kings College London.

From New York Times

Bob Dylan played off Mr. Saluga’s Johnsonian wordplay, and his own name change, in his 1979 song “Gotta Serve Somebody.”

From New York Times

“But he has banished the much-ridiculed ‘Global Britain’ Johnsonian slogan, preferring to under-promise and over-deliver.

From New York Times

This was a very Johnsonian example of self-promotion.

From BBC