Pronunciation: [dˈi͡ə d͡ʒˈɒn] (IPA) 
Dear John is a phrase used to signify the end of a romantic relationship. The word "dear" is pronounced as /dɪər/, with the "d" being silent. The "e" makes an "ɪə" sound, similar to the "ea" in "pear". The "a" is pronounced as "æ", as in "cat". "John" is pronounced as /dʒɒn/, with the "j" making a "dʒ" sound, similar to the "j" in "jump". The first "o" makes an "ɒ" sound, as in "hot", and the "n" is pronounced as "n".
The phrase "dear John" is an idiom commonly used to describe a letter or message that a person (typically a woman) writes to inform her partner or significant other (typically a man) that their relationship is over or has reached its end. It is often used to convey the sentiment of a breakup or a farewell.
The term originated from the practice of soldiers during World War II receiving letters from their loved ones back home. When a soldier received a letter beginning with the salutation "Dear John," it was understood that the message contained news of a breakup or disillusionment between the sender and the recipient.
Over time, the phrase "dear John" has become widely known and is no longer limited to letters sent during wartime. It has come to symbolize any message that signifies the end of a romantic relationship, usually initiated by one party rather than a mutual decision.
In contemporary usage, "dear John" can also refer to a type of person, often a man, who consistently experiences relationship failures or breakups. It highlights the person's recurring predicament of receiving disappointing news through letters or messages in relationships. This secondary definition emphasizes the repetitive nature of failed romances and the individual's difficulties in maintaining long-term commitments.
The term "Dear John" originated during World War II and is believed to be a reference to the typical opening lines of a letter sent to soldiers from their wives or girlfriends to inform them of the end of their relationship. The exact etymology of the term is not entirely clear, but a popular theory suggests that it originated from the formality and impersonal nature of the phrase "Dear John", which was commonly used as the opening salutation in letters. The phrase gradually became associated with the content of the letter itself, often conveying the sad news of a relationship's termination.
