The Dictionary of American Slang says it's been around since about 1895 but gives no further explanation of its origin. The name John and its relatives (Jacques, Jack, Johnny . . . ) turn up in many phrases to mean an unspecified male, as in John Doe. JOHNNIE -- "Johnnie meant fellow, chap in English by the 17th century and a man-about-town in the 1880s. 'Johnny-Come-Lately' was in use in America by the 1830s. 'Johnny-on-the-spot' by the 1890s and 'stage-door Johnny' by 1912.'" From "John and Mary:Common First Names," a chapter in "Listening to America" by Stuart Berg Flexner (Simon and Schuster, New York, 1982). Johnny-on-the-spot is a noun that means "an unusually alert fellow who is capable of decisive action, seizing an opportunity, etc. Also (obs.) 'Johnny-on-the-job.' 1896 Ade 'Artie' 19: She was settin' over in the corner, and a Johnny-on-the-spot, with a big badge, marked 'Committee,' was tryin' to keep cases on her. Ibid. 63. I'll be Johnny-on-the-spot to see that everything's on the level.'" From the "Random House Historical Dictionary of American Slang, Volume 1, H-O" by J.E. Lighter, Random House, New York, 1994.
Etymology is the opposite of Antipodes
The study of word origins is called etymology. In my student days I was told that it is one of the less exact areas of historical linguistics.
◘ life; etymology
What is the etymology of the word persecute its for my language homework
Paisaje is a Spanish word that means landscape. Its etymology is that it is derived from the Latin word pagus.
Johnny-on-the-Spot - 1919 is rated/received certificates of: USA:Approved
Johnny on the Spot - 1912 was released on: USA: 23 October 1912
Johnny-on-the-Spot - 1919 was released on: USA: 17 February 1919
The cast of Johnny Off the Spot - 2008 includes: Konstantine Anthony as Dracula Jeff Croghan as Pedestrian George Retelas as Johnny
The Tycoon - 1964 Johnny on the Spot 1-24 was released on: USA: 2 March 1965
The etymology of etymology is from the greek etumologia which means "true sense of a word"
Philip Sheridan has written: 'Johnny on the spot'
On The Spot Johnny Wright's Quest for the Next Supergroup - 2011 Style 1-6 was released on: USA: 11 March 2011
The word "morality" comes from the Latin word "moralitas," which means "manner, character, proper behavior." It is derived from the Latin word "mos," meaning customs or habits.
Etymology is the opposite of Antipodes
what is the etymology of clement
On The Spot Johnny Wright's Quest for the Next Supergroup - 2011 Welcome to Hollywood 1-14 was released on: USA: 6 May 2011