John Q. Public (and several similar names; see the Variations section below) is a generic name in the United States to denote a hypothetical member of society deemed a "common man." He is presumed to represent the randomly selected "man on the street."
Read more about John Q. Public: Variations, Usage, History, Other English-speaking Countries, Variants in Other Countries
Famous quotes containing the words john and/or public:
“Wonderful invention, the phonograph. Keeps a man alive long after he’s dead.”
—P. J. Wolfson, and John L. Balderston (1899–1954)
“Our government rests in public opinion. Whoever can change public opinion, can change the government, practically just so much.”
—Abraham Lincoln (1809–1865)