Jock

MEANING

ORIGIN

Scottish

ETYMOLOGY

Derived from the Scottish diminutive of John, also used as a slang term for an athlete in American English.

CULTURAL NOTES

In Scotland, it is traditionally used as a diminutive of John. In American culture, it often refers to someone who is athletic or involved in sports.

HISTORICAL CONTEXT

Historically, Jock has been used as a familiar term for John, particularly in Scotland, for centuries. Its use as a term for an athlete became popular in the United States during the 20th century.