Honest John

American  

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.

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Etymology

Origin of Honest John

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

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

From Salon • Mar. 23, 2023

That differs from the unconvincing digital form that organic creatures like Jiminy, Honest John, a bipedal fox; or Geppetto’s cat Figaro assume through 21st century technology.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 8, 2022

His opponent was a white northerner called, ironically, Honest John Patterson.

From Slate • Jan. 31, 2018

On average, cars achieve only 88% of their official figures, Honest John found, forcing drivers to spend around an extra 2p a litre every time they fill their tanks.

From The Guardian • Jan. 11, 2013

The American gentleman has not the least ambition to see his fair name dragged in the mud; to hear himself called "thief," or nicknamed "Honest John," "Jolly Roger," or what not.

From Jonathan and His Continent Rambles Through American Society by Allyn, Jack