Top 20 Slang For Sign – Meaning & Usage

Sign language has its own rich lexicon of slang terms that add flair and personality to communication. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned signer, exploring these unique expressions can deepen your understanding and appreciation of sign language. Join us as we unveil some of the most intriguing slang for sign that will elevate your signing skills to a whole new level.

1. John Hancock

This term refers to a person’s signature, particularly in the context of signing documents or legal papers. “John Hancock” is a slang term derived from the famous American statesman and Founding Father, John Hancock, whose signature on the Declaration of Independence is particularly large and prominent.

• For example, when signing a contract, someone might say, “Just put your John Hancock at the bottom of the page.”
• In a discussion about the importance of signatures, one might say, “Your John Hancock is your personal mark of consent and agreement.”
• A person might ask, “Can you please provide your John Hancock on this form?”

2. Autograph

This term refers to a signature, usually of a famous person, on an item such as a book, photograph, or piece of memorabilia. Autographs are often sought after by collectors and fans.

• For instance, at a fan convention, someone might say, “I got an autograph from my favorite actor!”
• A person discussing their collection might say, “I have an autograph from every member of the band.”
• In a discussion about meeting celebrities, someone might ask, “Have you ever gotten an autograph from a famous person?”

3. John Doe

This term is used to refer to an unidentified or unknown person, particularly in legal or medical contexts. “John Doe” is a placeholder name that is commonly used when the true identity of an individual is not known or cannot be disclosed.

• For example, in a court case, a lawyer might say, “The victim’s name has been changed to John Doe to protect their identity.”
• In a discussion about missing persons, someone might ask, “Have you seen this person? They go by the name John Doe.”
• A person discussing privacy might say, “It’s important to respect the rights of John Doe and other anonymous individuals.”

4. Hancock

This term is a shortened version of “John Hancock” and is used to refer to a person’s signature. It is a slang term that is often used in informal or casual settings.

• For instance, when signing a birthday card, someone might say, “Don’t forget to put your Hancock on it!”
• In a discussion about forging signatures, one might say, “It’s illegal to fake someone’s Hancock.”
• A person might ask, “Can you put your Hancock on this permission slip for me?”

5. Scribble

This term refers to a signature that is quickly or carelessly written, resulting in a messy or illegible appearance. It can be used to describe someone’s handwriting or signature.

• For example, when signing a receipt, a cashier might comment, “That’s quite a scribble you’ve got there.”
• A person discussing their own signature might say, “I’ve always had a bit of a scribble for a signature.”
• In a discussion about famous signatures, someone might say, “Some celebrities have such unique scribbles that they’re instantly recognizable.”

6. John Henry

This term refers to a person’s signature, which is often used to indicate approval, agreement, or verification. “John Henry” is a slang term for a signature, particularly in legal or formal contexts.

• For example, when signing a contract, a lawyer might say, “Please provide your John Henry at the bottom of the page.”
• If someone asks for proof of identity, they might say, “Can I see some ID with your John Henry on it?”
• In a discussion about forgery, someone might mention, “It’s important to have a unique John Henry to prevent fraud.”

7. Mark

This term is used to refer to a symbol or sign that represents something else. “Mark” can be a slang term for a sign or indication, often used in informal contexts.

• For instance, if someone asks for directions, they might say, “Look for the big tree as a mark that you’re on the right path.”
• In a conversation about identifying counterfeit money, someone might say, “There are specific marks on the bills that indicate their authenticity.”
• A person discussing the stock market might mention, “Pay attention to the market’s performance as a mark of economic health.”

8. John Barleycorn

This term refers to a sign or gesture used to convey a message or command. “John Barleycorn” is a slang term for a signal, often used in informal or colloquial contexts.

• For example, in a game of charades, someone might say, “Give us a John Barleycorn to let us know you’re ready.”
• If someone wants to get the attention of a friend in a crowded place, they might use a John Barleycorn, such as waving or making eye contact.
• In a discussion about nonverbal communication, someone might mention, “Gestures and facial expressions can serve as powerful John Barleycorns.”

9. John Smith

This term refers to a sign or clue that suggests or reveals something. “John Smith” is a slang term for an indication or sign, often used in casual or everyday conversations.

• For instance, if someone is acting suspiciously, a person might say, “Their nervous behavior is a John Smith that something is not right.”
• In a discussion about body language, someone might mention, “Crossed arms can be a John Smith of defensiveness or discomfort.”
• A person discussing weather patterns might say, “A sudden drop in temperature can be a John Smith of an approaching storm.”

10. John Bull

This term refers to a symbol or sign that represents a particular country or nation. “John Bull” is a slang term for a symbolic sign, often used in a patriotic or nationalistic context.

• For example, the flag of a country is a John Bull that represents the nation and its values.
• In a discussion about national identity, someone might say, “The bald eagle is a John Bull of the United States.”
• A person discussing cultural symbols might mention, “The shamrock is a John Bull of Ireland.”

11. John Thomas

“John Thomas” is a slang term for the male genitalia, specifically the penis. It is often used in a humorous or euphemistic manner.

• For example, someone might say, “He’s always bragging about his John Thomas.”
• In a conversation about anatomy, one might use the term, “The John Thomas is a reproductive organ.”
• Another person might joke, “I call mine ‘John Thomas’ because it’s always ready to go.”

12. John Q. Public

This term is used to refer to an ordinary or average person, often in a legal or governmental context. It is a way to represent the general public or the typical individual.

• For instance, a news article might say, “The new policy will affect John Q. Public in various ways.”
• In a discussion about government regulations, one might argue, “John Q. Public deserves transparency and accountability.”
• A politician might use the term in a speech, saying, “We must listen to the concerns of John Q. Public and address their needs.”

13. Johnnie Walker

“Johnnie Walker” is a well-known brand of Scotch whisky. It is often used as a shorthand to refer to any type of whisky, especially in informal conversations or when ordering drinks.

• For example, someone might say, “I’ll have a glass of Johnnie Walker on the rocks.”
• In a discussion about different types of alcohol, one might mention, “Johnnie Walker is known for its smooth flavor.”
• A bartender might ask, “Would you like Johnnie Walker Red or Black?”

14. Johnnie

“Johnnie” is a nickname that can be used to refer to someone named John. It is a casual and familiar way of addressing or mentioning a person named John.

• For instance, a friend might say, “Hey Johnnie, how’s it going?”
• In a conversation about nicknames, one might say, “Johnnie is a common nickname for John.”
• A parent might call out, “Johnnie, it’s time for dinner!”

15. Johnnie-come-lately

This term is used to describe someone who arrives or becomes involved in a situation or group at a later stage. It implies that the person is joining or participating after others have already been involved for a while.

• For example, in a discussion about a project, someone might say, “Don’t be a Johnnie-come-lately and expect to take credit for all our hard work.”
• In a conversation about historical events, one might mention, “The Johnnie-come-latelys often miss out on the full experience.”
• A colleague might jokingly say, “Here comes the Johnnie-come-lately, always showing up when the hard work is done.”

16. John E. Hancock

This term refers to a person’s signature, specifically in reference to the act of signing one’s name on a document or legal agreement. The term “John E. Hancock” is a play on the name “John Hancock,” who was one of the signers of the United States Declaration of Independence.

• For example, “Please provide your John E. Hancock at the bottom of the contract.”
• In a discussion about the importance of signatures, someone might say, “Your John E. Hancock is a legally binding representation of your agreement.”
• A person might jokingly ask, “Can I get your John E. Hancock on this napkin?”

17. X

In informal contexts, “X” is sometimes used as a slang term for a signature or mark. This usage is derived from the practice of individuals who are unable to write their names using an “X” as their unique identifier.

• For instance, “Just put your X at the bottom of the page to confirm your agreement.”
• In a casual conversation, someone might say, “I forgot to sign the card, so I just put an X.”
• A person might ask, “Can I get your X on this document?”

18. John Q. Citizen

This term is used to refer to an average or typical person, often in the context of legal or governmental matters. “John Q. Citizen” is a placeholder name that represents an ordinary individual.

• For example, “The law is designed to protect the rights of John Q. Citizen.”
• In a discussion about civic responsibility, someone might say, “It’s important for John Q. Citizen to exercise their right to vote.”
• A person might use the term to emphasize the impact of a policy on everyday people, saying, “This law will directly affect John Q. Citizen.”

19. John Q. Taxpayer

This term is used to refer to an individual who pays taxes to the government. “John Q. Taxpayer” is a placeholder name that represents any person who contributes financially through taxes.

• For instance, “The new tax law will have an impact on John Q. Taxpayer.”
• In a conversation about government spending, someone might say, “We need to be mindful of how taxpayer dollars are being used.”
• A person might argue, “John Q. Taxpayer deserves transparency and accountability in how their tax dollars are spent.”

20. John Q. Voter

This term is used to refer to an individual who participates in the democratic process by casting their vote in elections. “John Q. Voter” is a placeholder name that represents any person who exercises their right to vote.

• For example, “Politicians need to earn the support of John Q. Voter.”
• In a discussion about the importance of voting, someone might say, “Every John Q. Voter has the power to make a difference.”
• A person might encourage others to vote, saying, “Don’t forget to register and be a John Q. Voter in the upcoming election.”