- A person's signature.
Explanation
Origin
- Refers to John Hancock, an American Founding Father and the first signer of the US Declaration of Independence.
- He signed the document with a particularly large and flamboyant signature, making it stand out.
- His name subsequently became a colloquial term for any signature.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Sig (abbreviation)
- Scribble (casual, sometimes self-deprecating about one's own signature)
- Initial here (if only initials are needed)
Formal/Standard:
- Signature
- Autograph (specific context)
Action-based Requests:
- Sign here, please.
- Could you sign this?
- Put your name down.
Situational Appropriateness
- Mostly informal, but widely understood in American English.
- Can be used playfully in semi-formal contexts (like banking, as in the dialogue).
- In highly formal legal or business settings, signature is the standard and preferred term.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Non-native speakers, or those unfamiliar with US history, might be confused about why a specific person's name is being used instead of the word signature. The context of signing a document usually makes the meaning clear.
Examples
- Please put your John Hancock on the bottom line.
- I need your John Hancock on this permission slip before you can go on the field trip.
Dialogue
Bank Teller: Everything seems to be in order. I just need your John Hancock on this form, please.
Customer: Alright. (Signs the form)
Bank Teller: Great, thank you. You're all set.
Social Media Examples
- Post: Finally closed on our first home! So surreal putting my John Hancock on all that paperwork! 🏡 #Homeowner #Adulting #SignedSealedDelivered
- Tweet: Need your John Hancock on this petition to save the local park! Every signature counts! Link in bio. #CommunityAction #Petition
Response Patterns
- Compliance: Okay, where do I sign? / Sure thing.
- Clarification: On this line here?
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
- The person signs the document as requested.
- The person requesting the signature might say Thanks or Perfect and then proceed with the next step (e.g., filing the document).
Conversation Starter
- No. Used specifically when a signature is required on a document.
Intonation
- Usually neutral, matter-of-fact when requesting a signature.
- Stress falls naturally on John and Hancock.
- Just need your JOHN HANCOCK right here.
Generation Differences
- Generally understood across generations in the US, perhaps slightly more common or familiar among older Americans who learned the historical reference in school.
Regional Variations
- Primarily American English.
- It might be understood in other English-speaking countries due to American cultural influence, but it's not commonly used elsewhere. They would simply use signature.