masc. proper name, 1218, probably an anglicization of Old French Jacques (which was a diminutive of Latin Jacobus; see Jacob), but in English the name always has been associated with Johan, Jan "John," and some have argued that it is a native formation.
Alliterative coupling of Jack and Jill is from 15c. (Ienken and Iulyan). In England, applied familiarly or contemptuously to anybody (especially one of the lower classes) from late 14c. Later used especially of sailors (1650s; Jack-tar is from 1781). In U.S., as a generic name addressed to an unknown stranger, attested from 1889.
jack (n.)
late 14c., jakke "a mechanical device," from the masc. name Jack. The proper name was used in Middle English for "any common fellow" (mid-14c.), and thereafter extended to various appliances replacing servants (1570s). Used generically of men (jack-of-all-trades, 1610s), male animals (1620s, see jackass, jackdaw, etc.), and male personifications (1520s, such as Jack Frost, 1826).
As the name of a device for pulling off boots, from 1670s. The jack in a pack of playing cards (1670s) is in German Bauer "peasant." Jack shit "nothing at all" is attested by 1968, U.S. slang. The plant jack-in-the-pulpit is attested by 1837. Jack the Ripper was active in London 1888. The jack of Union Jack is a nautical term for "small flag at the bow of a ship" (1630s).
jack (v.)
1860, jack up "hoist, raise," American English, from the noun (see jack (n.)). Figurative sense "increase (prices, etc.)" is 1904, American English. Related: Jacked; jacking. Jack off (v.) "to masturbate" is attested from 1916, probably from jack (n.) in the sense of "penis."
实用例句
1. This guy, Jack Smith, does he go by the name of Jackal?
这个叫杰克·史密斯的家伙是不是还有个名字叫杰凯尔？
来自柯林斯例句
2. Jack had attended these meetings as a matter of routine for years.
数年来，杰克把参加这些会议当成是例行公事。
来自柯林斯例句
3. Auntie Hilda and Uncle Jack couldn't fuss over them enough.
希尔达姨妈和杰克姨父对他们宠爱有加。
来自柯林斯例句
4. Jack took out his notes and talked for just under an hour.
杰克掏出他的笔记，讲了将近一个小时。
来自柯林斯例句
5. An American judge yesterday dismissed murder charges against Dr Jack Kevorkian.
