Johnny Reb

English

Edwin Francis Jemison, a young Confederate soldier.

Alternative forms

• Johnnie Reb

Etymology

From the sense of Johnny as a placeholder name for any man and reb, US slang for a Confederate citizen or soldier.

Noun

Johnny Reb (plural Johnny Rebs)

1. (historical, colloquial) Synonym of Confederate: a citizen of the Confederate States of America, particularly a Confederate soldier.

See also

• Billy Yank
• Tommy Atkins

Proper noun

Johnny Reb

1. (figurative) Synonym of Confederate States of America.
   • 1959, Johnny Horton, Johnny Reb:

     When Lincoln heard the news about the fall,
     All the folks thought he'd throw a great vict'ry ball,
     But he asked the band to play the song "Dixie"
     For you, Johnny Reb, and all that you believe.