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Glite Dictionary
Black Jack Pershing

Black Jack Pershing

1 8.9
An American general who led United States forces in Europe during World War I
  • proper noun
  • /blæk dʒæk ˈpɜrʃɪŋ/
: Black Jack Pershing
  • General Black Jack Pershing led the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe during World War I.

Examples

  • General Black Jack Pershing led the American Expeditionary Forces.

  • Many historians regard Black Jack Pershing as one of America's greatest military leaders.

  • The leadership of Black Jack Pershing was instrumental in shaping the outcome of the war.

  • Did Black Jack Pershing serve in World War I?

  • General Black Jack Pershing successfully commanded American forces in Europe during World War I.

  • Historians often celebrate Black Jack Pershing for his strategic contributions during World War I.

  • Under the leadership of Black Jack Pershing, the American troops played a vital role in the victory of World War I.

Synonyms

John J. Pershing
vsBlack Jack Pershing
1 7.6

A United States Army general who led American forces in Europe during World War I

is an informal nickname form used in popular or casual contexts

Surface Forms

Black Jack Pershing main

Morphology

Black + Jack + Pershing

This is a proper name (the nickname and surname of a historical person), so knowing the words 'black', 'jack', and 'Pershing' does not let a learner infer the specific biographical meaning (US general who commanded forces in WWI). Personal names are arbitrary and language-specific, so the MWE's meaning is not derivable from its constituents.

Etymology

Black Jack Pershing earned his nickname while serving with the African American 10th Cavalry, known as 'Buffalo Soldiers'. People called the strict young officer Black Jack, and that nickname stuck for the rest of his life.