Gordon Bennett (phrase)

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"Gordon Bennett" is an English-language idiomatic phrase used to express surprise, contempt, outrage, disgust or frustration. [1]

Contents

Background

The expression is thought to derive either from the controversial reputation of James Gordon Bennett Jr. (1841–1918), son of British-born James Gordon Bennett Sr., founder and publisher of the New York Herald , or as a minced oath, "perhaps a euphemistic substitution for gorblimey". [2] Bennett Jr. was an accomplished polo player, tennis player and yachtsman. [3] There was also an Australian general of the same name from World War II, but any link there is ruled out by an earlier 1937 quotation of the interjection. [4]

Usage examples

The phrase is often said by Del Boy Trotter, played by David Jason, in the British sitcom Only Fools And Horses . [5] It was also used in the 1970s sitcom Please Sir! [6] [7]

"Gordon Bennett" is said frequently by Terry McCann in Minder and Gerry Standing in New Tricks , both played by Dennis Waterman.

It is said by main character DI Humphrey Goodman in series 3 episode 8 ("Rue Morgue") of Death in Paradise .

"Gordon Bennett!" is a catchphrase often used by Holly, the ship’s computer in the 1988 British science fiction comedy television series Red Dwarf . [8]

Richard Hammond said it in series 5, episode 3 of The Grand Tour: "Sand Job".

The character Ace said it in season 25, episode 5 of Doctor Who.

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References

  1. Wiktionary-logo-en-v2.svg The dictionary definition of Gordon Bennett at Wiktionary
  2. Oxford English Dictionary under 'Gordon Bennett'
  3. "Gordon Bennett the scot behind the popular saying". The Scotsman.
  4. http://worldwidewords.org/articles/gordon.htm
  5. "Gordon Bennett: A puzzling British exclamation" World Wide Words
  6. "Gordon Bennett!" . Retrieved 8 September 2017.
  7. Gordon Bennett! – the meaning and origin of this phrase , retrieved 8 September 2017
  8. "Red Dwarf" The End (TV Episode 1988) – IMDb , retrieved 2023-12-22