jonathan

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

An American; a Yank; Brother Jonathan.

Register: dated, slang

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

Here crashed a sturdy oath of stout John Bull, Who damned away his eyes as heretofore; There Paddy brogued “By Jasus!”—“What’s your Wull?” The temperate Scot exclaimed; the French Ghost swore In certain terms I shan’t translate in full, As the first Coachman will; and midst the roar The voice of Jon

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

penis

Register: slang

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “jonathan” mean?

An American; a Yank; Brother Jonathan.

Is “jonathan” formal or informal?

jonathan is generally dated, slang.