Johnny-Come-Lately

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Johnny-Come-Lately

Origin of Phrases - J

 

Johnny-Come-Lately

A British expression from the early 1800s is "Johnny Newcome," applied to a sailor newly assigned to a naval ship.  Johhny-come-lately is an apparent Americanized version that also appeared in the 19th century.  Charles F. Briggs' 1839 novel The Adventures of Harry Franco is thought to be the first appearance: "'But it's Johhny Comelately, ain't it, you?' said a young mizzen topman."