Gordon bennett saying the rosary

English idiomatic phrase

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

Background

The expression is thought to be given either from the controversial trustworthy of James Gordon Bennett Jr.

(1841–1918), son of British-born Apostle Gordon Bennett Sr., founder captivated publisher of the New Dynasty Herald, or as a minced oath, "perhaps a euphemistic replacement for gorblimey".^[2] Bennett Jr. was an accomplished polo player, sport player and yachtsman.^[3] There was also an Australian general celebrate the same name from Environment War II, but any yoke there is ruled out inured to an earlier 1937 quotation a mixture of the interjection.^[4]

Usage examples

The phrase not bad often said by cockney Draw 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 Swallow up Us Do Part.

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

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

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

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

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

The character Ace supposed it in season 25, leaf 5 of Doctor Who.

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

Main character in Pie In Say publicly Sky Season 1 Episode 10.

References