Date:  Wed, 12 Nov 1997 08:38:15 -0500
From:  Allan Metcalf <AAllan[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]AOL.COM>
Subject: Barry Popik on: John Q. Public

(Barry sends me this message with explicit permission to post on ADS-L. Happy
to do so, even though it suggests that a certain book is less than perfect. -
Allan Metcalf)

   AMERICA IN SO MANY WORDS (David K. Barnhart & Allan A. Metcalf) contains
many important Americanisms, but it's missing "John Q. Public."
   "John Q. Public" was discussed here about a year ago when I found a
variant of that and "Jesus H. Christ" in "Judas Q. Priest." Ever since
President John Q. Adams, "Q" became a popular middle initial--especially for
comic fictional characters.
   The new RHHDAS H-O has "John Q. Public" from 1937.
   This is one of several similar sports articles and comes from the New
York Evening Mail, 10 August 1922, pg. 12, col. 3:

JOHN Q. PUBLIC TELLS
 VIEWS ON THE GIANTS
-----------------------------------
Fans get Chance to Have Their Say--Scott Reveals Secret of "Reborn" Arm.
By Lorry A. Jacobs

  OFTEN HAVE we thought that Mr. John Q. Public, who patronizes the
baseball games, makes sport popular and remunerative and is the real sufferer
by reason of disaster to the sport he patronizes, does not get enough
opportunity to say what he will of his opinions on subjects appertaining to
his favorite sport. Therefore, much after the manner of the inquiring
reporter, we approached five baseball fans yesterday and made inquiry as to
their opinions of the Giants. (...)
   And that's that. Considering the answers, it at once is apparent that
Mr. John Q. Public thinks a bit. (...)