John Q. Public John Q. Public {n.} A name used informally for the average citizen. It is John Q. Public's duty to vote at each election. Compare: JOE DOAKES. Categories: add yours {n.} Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms by A. Makkai, M.T. Boatner, J.E. Gates © 2024 To section: J Subscribe to: American IdiomsIdioms feedEnglish languageHome page and general feed Discuss