Henry

Related to Henry: Henry VIII, Henry Ford

(one's) John Henry

slang One's signature. A variant of the more common "one's John Hancock," likely as a means of shortening it in everyday speech. John Hancock was an influential figure in the American Revolution who is now known for his especially large and legible signature on the Declaration of Independence. As soon as you put your John Henry on these papers, you'll be the proud owner of a brand new car! We're going to need your John Henry on this contract to make the deal official.
See also: henry, john

Adam Henry

slang A euphemistic way to call someone an "asshole," playing on that word's use of the letters A and H. Don't pay attention to that guy, he's a real Adam Henry. Whoa, stop yelling at me. Why are you acting like such an Adam Henry today?
See also: Adam, henry

Henry! Henry Aldrich! Coming, Mother!

A phrase used to call someone to attention (and their response to said call). It comes from Henry Aldrich, a mid-20th century radio show. A: "Where is that boy? Henry! Henry Aldrich!" B: "Coming, Mother!"
See also: henry
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

one's John Henry

 and one's John Hancock
one's signature. Just put your John Henry on this line, and we'll bring your new car around.
See also: henry, john
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

John Hancock

Also, John Henry. One's signature, as in Just put your John Hancock on the dotted line. This expression alludes to John Hancock's prominent signature on the Declaration of Independence. The variant simply substitutes a common name for "Hancock." [Mid-1800s]
See also: Hancock, john
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

Adam Henry

n. an AH = asshole, = jerk. Treated as a name. Why don’t you get some smarts, Adam Henry?
See also: Adam, henry

John Hancock

n. one’s signature. (Refers to the signature of John Hancock, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.) Put your John Hancock right here, if you don’t mind.
See also: Hancock, john
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions

John Hancock

One’s signature. John Hancock was the first man to sign the Declaration of Independence and did so in an exceptionally large, clear hand. Indeed, he supposedly remarked, “I guess King George will be able to read that” (July 4, 1776). In the mid-nineteenth century his name was transferred to anyone’s signature.
See also: Hancock, john
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer

Hen-ree! Henry Aldrich! Coming, Mother!

Henry Aldrich was a very popular radio show that ran from 1939 to 1953. The title character was an awkward adolescent who was forever getting into hot water with his girlfriend and his other friends. The show began with Mrs. Aldrich calling, “Hen-ree, Henry Aldrich!” to which he would reply, “Coming, Mother!” The phrase's elements became 1940s catchwords for summoning and responding, respectively.
See also: henry
Endangered Phrases by Steven D. Price
See also:
  • (one's) John Henry
  • one's John Henry
  • (one's) John Hancock
  • John Hancock
  • Hancock
  • Hancocks
  • put (one's) John Hancock on
  • wouldn't bet on it
  • I wouldn't bet on (something)
  • I wouldn't bet on it
References in classic literature
"Do they know what coals are made of, Henry?" she asked, a moment later.
Henry could not pretend that he was altogether ignorant of her meaning, though, certainly, he had never guessed that she minded the teasing.
Henry indicated with his head a second pair, and a third.
"Henry, it's a blame misfortune to be out of ammunition."
About this money, Master Henry? If I was younger I should spend it in dress and jewellery.
Look here, Master Henry. I don't care about this bit of money--I never did like the man who has left it to me, though he was your brother.
"Uncle Henry and Aunt Em belong to Oz now as much as I do!"
"Did you call both the roosters Daniel?" asked Uncle Henry.
"Stop!" said Sir Henry; "Quatermain, get the bit of biltong and the water that are left; we may want them."
and hang the diamonds!" said Sir Henry. "I hope that I may never see another."
And now, Dorian, get up on the platform, and don't move about too much, or pay any attention to what Lord Henry says.
Dorian Gray stepped up on the dais with the air of a young Greek martyr, and made a little moue of discontent to Lord Henry, to whom he had rather taken a fancy.
Henry III had always been accounted a good swordsman, but that day he quite outdid himself, and in his imagination was about to run the pseudo De Montfort through the heart, to the wild acclaim of his audience.
"Now, dear Princess, when I wave my handkerchief, please wish me with Uncle Henry. I'm aw'fly sorry to leave you--and the Scarecrow--and the Tin Woodman--and the Cowardly Lion--and Tiktok--and--and everybody--but I do want my Uncle Henry!
At the further end of the village, and tolerably disengaged from the rest of it, stood the parsonage, a new-built substantial stone house, with its semicircular sweep and green gates; and, as they drove up to the door, Henry, with the friends of his solitude, a large Newfoundland puppy and two or three terriers, was ready to receive and make much of them.