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Jack or John

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ianthe plumb | 20:48 Thu 06th Apr 2006 | Phrases & Sayings
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Why do we call people called John , Jack????
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according to one source
Jack was originally from the name Jakin, a corrupted form of Jenkin (John+kin).
According to Webster's dictionary, the name "Jack" is probably derived from "Jacob" (via the French "Jacques"). Alternatively, it may be derived from "Jankin" meaning literally "Little John".
'Jack' has been the familiar form of 'John' for at least 800 years. Many people believe it came from the French name Jacques, but The Oxford English Dictionary - the 'bible' in matters of this sort - doubts this. They are much happier with the case - made over a century ago by the scholar EWB Nicholson at Oxford - that the word actually originated in that form as a diminutive for 'John'. In other words, it's just as much a name in its own right as 'John' or any other name is and it did not depend on any foreign influence.
Along the same lines, why "Peggy" for someone whose name is Margaret.
The opening letters of names often change when they are used as diminutives or pet-names. Consider, for example, William > Bill and Richard > ick with a D in front. (I express it thus as I will not be allowed to write the name out properly!) In the same way Margaret > Maggie > Meggie > Peggy.
Likewise, Harry is used for a person named Henry.
Surely the censor can't be so bad that you can't write Dick Van Dyke or Dick Turpin?
Obviously, they've calmed down a bit Rojash. Certainly the last time I tried - innocently! - to use the word, it was asterisked out. Just imagine...Americans will now be able to refer directly to their Vice-President by name!
My uncle Jack was christened John, and I was going to be called John but as I turned out to be a girlie I was called Jacqueline (Jack for short by most people). I notice on Holby City the lady doctor is called Jack (as opposed to Jackie).

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