Gordon Bennett (phrase)

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

Background

The expression is either thought to derive from the controversial reputation of James Gordon Bennett Jr. (1841–1918), son of Scottish-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]

There is an alternative explanation that he was a salesman from Yorkshire who rode around on a bike with a large basket on it, selling his wares. He used to shout "Gordon Bennett!" then what he was selling; soon everyone knew what he sold so he would just shout "Gordon Bennett!".

There is a Gordon Bennett memorial hall in Thurcroft, South Yorkshire named for a local councillor in the area who may have been a descendant.

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 season 3 episode 8 ("Rue Morgue") of Death in Paradise.

References
  1. 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
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