DEAR JOHN LETTER Meaning and
Definition
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A "Dear John letter" is a colloquial term referring to a written or typed message, usually a letter, that is sent to someone from a romantic partner to end the relationship. This term is predominantly used to describe a letter written by a woman to a man, although it can be applied to any gender dynamic.
The phrase itself has its origins in military slang, where it was commonly used during wartime. Soldiers away from home would often receive such letters from their partners, informing them of the termination of their relationship. The phrase "Dear John" originated from the traditional salutation used at the beginning of these letters.
In contemporary usage, a "Dear John letter" serves as a direct and formal way to communicate the dissolution of a romantic bond. The letter generally conveys feelings of unhappiness, dissatisfaction, or loss of interest from the sender, while also often providing reasons for the decision to break up. It is typically characterized by a mixture of compassion and finality, seeking closure for both parties involved.
Although "Dear John letters" are most commonly associated with ending romantic relationships, the term can also be extended to other types of relationships, such as professional or friendship contexts, where a written communication is used to announce the termination of an association.
Common Misspellings for DEAR JOHN LETTER
- sear john letter
- xear john letter
- cear john letter
- fear john letter
- rear john letter
- eear john letter
- dwar john letter
- dsar john letter
- ddar john letter
- drar john letter
- d4ar john letter
- d3ar john letter
- dezr john letter
- desr john letter
- dewr john letter
- deqr john letter
- deae john letter
- dead john letter
- deaf john letter
- deat john letter
Idioms with the word DEAR JOHN LETTER
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a Dear John letter
The idiom "a Dear John letter" refers to a message, typically written, in which a person breaks up with their romantic partner, usually while one of them is away or unable to meet in person.
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Dear John letter
A "Dear John letter" is a letter written by a woman to her partner, typically a soldier, to inform him that their relationship is over. The term is now used to refer to any letter in which one person breaks off a romantic relationship with another.
