Johnsonian

American  

[jon-soh-nee-uhn] / dʒɒnˈsoʊ ni ən /

adjective

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

2. having the quality of Johnsonese.

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noun

1. a person who writes in the Johnsonian style.

2. a teacher or critic who specializes in the works of Samuel Johnson.

Johnsonian British  

/ dʒɒnˈsəʊnɪən /

adjective

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

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Other Word Forms

• Johnsonianism noun
• Johnsonianly adverb
• post-Johnsonian adjective

Etymology

Origin of Johnsonian

First recorded in 1785–95; Johnson + -ian

Example Sentences

Using typical Johnsonian language, he initially dismissed the claims as an “inverted pyramid of piffle” before other evidence emerged.

From Washington Post • Jul. 7, 2022

His post referendum press conference was notable for its absence of Johnsonian joie de vivre.

From BBC • Jul. 14, 2016

This was a case where Clinton needed to be more Johnsonian.

From The New Yorker • Jan. 12, 2015

He leaves the interview in a flurry of Johnsonian charm and self-deprecation.

From The Guardian • Oct. 18, 2014

He ate with a sort of Johnsonian avidity.

From Charles Frohman: Manager and Man by Marcosson, Isaac Frederick