Entry revised for OED Online

Jack, n.¹

DRAFT REVISION July 2007

ADDITIONS SERIES 1993

Add: [V.] [37.] Jack the Lad [perh. cf. the expression Jack's the Lad, found in a nautical song (see quot. c1840) and in a number of other allusions in the 19th cent.], colloq., a conspicuously self-assured, carefree, and often brash young man; a 'chancer'.

[c1840 (song-title) Jack's the lad. Ibid. (refrain) For if ever fellow took delight in swigging, gigging, kissing, drinking, fighting, Damme I'll be bold to say that Jack's the lad.]

1969 J. DASH Good Morning, Brothers! vii. 111, I think to myself, now you're going to be a real Jack-the-lad with your generosity.
1970 D. CAMMELL Performance (Brit. Film Libr. S13524) R3/7 (film script) You're Jack the Lad. I've known a few performers in my time.

1981 New Society 4 June 383/3, I was always Jack the Lad

the one everyone liked but nobody wanted to know. 1986 J. WAINWRIGHT Portrait in Shadows viii. 61 Find somebody..who..just might be Jack the Lad. 1991 Interview Sept. 50/1 The East End urchin Tony, later a Jack-the-lad and Jack-of-all-trades.