Johnny Reb (or Johnny), subs. (American).—A soldier in the Confederate
ranks during the civil war 1861–5. See Blue-bellies.
John Roberts, subs. phr. (Welsh).—See quot.
1886. J. C. Sikes in N. and Q. 7. S. i. 306. A new measure of
drink, enough to keep a man tipsy from Saturday to Sunday night, is
universally known throughout Wales as a John Roberts. It derives
its name from the author of the Sunday Closing Act. See Standard,
March 11.
John the Baptist, subs. phr. (American).—See quot.
1888. Arkansas Traveller, Oct. Mebbe he gwine ter gimme a John de
Baptist—dat’s one cent—but mos likely he gwineter jis’ give thanks.
John Thomas, subs. (common).—1. Generic for a flunkey.
1883. Echo, April 18, p. 1, col. 5. Pity the sorrows of a poor
flunkey!... Who would have thought, to see John Thomas ... sunning
himself on the forms provided for his use outside the shops in
Regent Street, that he was a sufferer from many hours of
confinement in doors.