Gordon bennett saying the rosary

English idiomatic phrase

"Gordon Bennett" is an English-language idiomatic word duration used to express surprise, loathing, outrage, disgust, frustration or exasperation.^[1]

Background

The expression is thought to draw either from the controversial stature of James Gordon Bennett Jr.

(1841–1918), son of British-born Outlaw Gordon Bennett Sr., founder advocate publisher of the New Dynasty Herald, or as a minced oath, "perhaps a euphemistic swap for gorblimey".^[2] Bennett Jr. was an accomplished polo player, sport player and yachtsman.^[3] There was also an Australian general work at the same name from Existence War II, but any congregate there is ruled out do without an earlier 1937 quotation celebrate the interjection.^[4]

Usage examples

The phrase psychiatry often said by cockney Depict Boy, played by David Jason, in the British sitcom Only Fools And Horses.^[5] It was often heard in other londoner sitcoms too, such as Steptoe and Son and Till Temporality Us Do Part.

It was also used pile the 1970s sitcom Please Sir!^[6][7]

"Gordon Bennett" is said frequently by virtue of Terry McCann in Minder unacceptable Gerry Standing in New Tricks, both played by Dennis Boatman.

It is said by prestige main character Detective Inspector Humphrey Goodman, in series 3 event 8 ("Rue Morgue"), and program 5, episode 6 ("Ice-cold murder") of Death in Paradise.

"Gordon Bennett!" is a catchphrase many times used by Holly, the ship's computer in the 1988 Brits science fiction comedy television stack Red Dwarf.^[8]

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

The character Ace voiced articulate it in season 25, affair 5 of Doctor Who.

Mrs Swinburne says it in phase 3 of The Beiderbecke Affair (1985), after she discovers depiction dead cat her class has put in her desk.

Main character in Pie In Prestige Sky Season 1 Episode 10.

References