Careful Words

jack (n.)

jack (v.)

jack (adj.)

Banish plump Jack, and banish all the world.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616): King Henry IV. Part I. Act ii. Sc. 4.

There's a sweet little cherub that sits up aloft,

To keep watch for the life of poor Jack.

Charles Dibdin (1745-1814): Poor Jack.

Spanking Jack was so comely, so pleasant, so jolly,

Though winds blew great guns, still he 'd whistle and sing;

Jack loved his friend, and was true to his Molly,

And if honour gives greatness, was great as a king.

Charles Dibdin (1745-1814): The Sailor's Consolation.

Before you could say Jack Robinson.

Jack shall pipe and Gill shall dance.

George Wither (1588-1667): Poem on Christmas.

Spanking Jack was so comely, so pleasant, so jolly,

Though winds blew great guns, still he 'd whistle and sing;

Jack loved his friend, and was true to his Molly,

And if honour gives greatness, was great as a king.

Charles Dibdin (1745-1814): The Sailor's Consolation.