John Bull

noun

1. England; the English people.
2. the typical Englishman.

John Bull

noun

1. a personification of England or the English people
2. a typical Englishman

John Bull

1. A figure who stands for England in literary and political satire and in cartoons. John Bull is a stout, feisty man, often shown in a suit made out of the British flag.

Notes

John Bull is the British equivalent of the United States' symbol (see also symbol ) Uncle Sam .

Derived Forms

• John Bullish, adjective
• John Bullishness, noun
• John Bullism, noun

Other Words From

• John Bullish adjective
• John Bullishness noun
• John Bullism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of John Bull¹

1705–15; named after John Bull, chief character in Arbuthnot's allegory The History of John Bull (1712)

Word History and Origins

Origin of John Bull¹

C18: name of a character intended to be representative of the English nation in The History of John Bull (1712) by John Arbuthnot

Example Sentences

John Bull, president of Eagle Industries, told the Detroit Free Press that any layoffs would affect around 60 workers and were “100%” because of the strike.

From Washington Times

Unlike his Catholic contemporaries John Dowland, John Bull and Richard Dering, Byrd didn’t flee the country, opting instead to stay and, in part, abide by the new, state-enforced Protestantism.

From New York Times

Adams concurred, though he also thought the affection for England that the “ultras,” or High Federalists, seemed to harbor was just as misguided as the Republican love affair with France: “I wish that misfortune and adversity could soften the temper and humiliate the insolence of John Bull, but he is not yet sufficiently humble. If I mistake not, it is the destiny of America one day to beat down his pride. But the irksome task will not soon, I hope, be forced upon us.”

From Literature

He was sure, in any event, that a bipartisan effort maximized the prospects for a truly neutral American foreign policy, which was what Washington had attempted and the vast majority of Americans wanted: “We will have neither John Bull nor Louis Baboon,” he joked to Abigail.

From Literature

“He’s a true John Bull. Now, Miss Sallie, you shall have a chance without waiting to draw. I’ll harrrow up your feelings first by asking if you don’t think you are something of a flirt,” said Laurie, as Jo nodded to Fred as a sign that peace was declared.

From Literature