![]() When abbreviated as simply "jack of all trades", it is an ambiguous statement the user's intention is then dependent on context. ![]() Today, the phrase used in its entirety generally describes a person whose knowledge, while covering a number of areas, is superficial in all of them. The "master of none" element appears to have been added later it made the statement less flattering to the person receiving. In 1612, the English-language version of the phrase appeared in the book "Essays and Characters of a Prison" by English writer Geffray Mynshul (Minshull), originally published in 1618, and probably based on the author's experience while held at Gray's Inn, London, when imprisoned for debt. They have pointed out how 'Johannes' was the Latin name of John (Giovanni) and the name by which Florio was known among his contemporaries, the term 'absolute' was an alliteration of the nickname chosen and used by Florio in his signature (precisely the word 'resolute') and the term 'factotum' was a disparaging definition of secretary, John Florio's job. Some scholars believe Greene was referring to resolute Johannes Florio, known as John Florio. ![]() ![]() Robert Greene used the phrase 'absolute Johannes Factotum' in his 1592 booklet Greene's Groats-Worth of Wit, to dismissively refer to actor-turned-playwright William Shakespeare this is the first published mention of Shakespeare.
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