Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[smonkey]

Dear Teachers:
　　　　
I have read a book named "Dear John Letter" recently. The name of the book means the letter sent by a girl to an absent boyfriend, breaking off their relationship. I'm wondering that why it is called "dear John letter" but not "dear Mark letter" or "dear David letter". Would you please tell me the reason? Thanks a lot!!!
　　　　
Best wishes,
Rebecca Huang

[Philo Kevetch]

Hello Smonkey -

In the past, John was perhaps the most common name for males (as Jane for females).

Are you familair with the term 'John Doe' (Jane Doe)?
It means any male, and is still commomly used to refer to an unidentified male.

Philo

[smonkey]

Oh~ you really hlep me a lot!
Thank you very much, Philo