So where did it come from?
Whats any other sayings that you know that you would like to add?
2006-07-05 05:32:16 · 11 answers · asked by robertskinner2004 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Quotations
James Gordon Bennet II, 1841 - 1918 is the man referred to, and was quite a colourful character. One of his many reported exploits was an incident where he flew an aeroplane through an open barn. The surprised onlookers were supposed to have said 'That was Gordon Bennett!', and hence onward to the current shortened phrase. Became popular again during the 1980s but is again falling out of use.
2006-07-05 05:39:06 · answer #1 · answered by Steve 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nigel Rees, Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, identifies the orignal Bennett as being a former editor of the New York Herald, and it just happened that his initials were convenient for associating with the blasphemous expression 'God Blind Me!' or 'Gawd Blimey' as we tend to say now, and somehow it has evolved into this expression 'Gordon Bennett', to avoid using the previous blasphemous expressions! Just think, when you're a kid, you don't want your parents to understand when you're swearing for example, so you create a substitution that can be understood amongst your peer group but doesn't upset the masses! Viola!
2006-07-08 21:33:15 · answer #2 · answered by Anna V 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not sure, but I know it was after a famous racing driver called Gordon Bennett
2006-07-05 05:36:48 · answer #3 · answered by spiegy2000 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Them lot are probably right about Gordon Bennett, so I'll just add my current favourite phrases: "Bob's your Uncle (Charlie's your Aunt)" and "A Nod's as Good as a Wink to a Blind Bishop in a Nunnery".
2006-07-05 18:50:48 · answer #4 · answered by Kango Man 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I read once (I think in Wikipedia, but can't remember for sure) that he was relieving himself in the fireplace at a party, and when everyone realized what he was doing they all proclaimed, "Gordon Bennett!". And hence people still use the phrase when in disbelief or shock.
2006-07-05 06:24:32 · answer #5 · answered by my brain hurts 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Gorden Bennet
2016-11-06 23:24:29 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
probably a random guy called gordon bennett
2006-07-05 05:35:30 · answer #7 · answered by motown 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i always say " for petes sake" but i dont know were it arigentated from i think one person said it about pete then ppl copied thats all i could come up with same for gordon-- hope that helped email me and IM me anytime... pinkfeverpink@yahoo.co.uk
2006-07-07 01:43:33 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My nan used to say it instead of Gor Blimey, ie God Blind Me, a very ancient oath.
2006-07-08 03:25:25 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try this link:-
2006-07-05 05:38:42 · answer #10 · answered by Martin G 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋