I've often heard the name "Gordon Bennet!" used as an exclamation of shock, disgust or disappointment in British television shows. Who is Gordon Bennet and why is his name a swear word?
2006-07-12 18:17:02 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
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.
2006-07-12 20:36:01 · answer #1 · answered by the last ninja 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
James Gordon-Bennett, Jr. was the son of the founder of the New York Herald. A bon vivant and playboy born with a silver spoon in his mouth.
2006-07-13 01:21:04 · answer #2 · answered by violet 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋