Why is the name Gordon Bennett used a term of frustration/annoyance
2006-08-19 21:20:52 · 12 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
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.
2006-08-19 21:28:21 · answer #1 · answered by the last ninja 6 · 4⤊ 0⤋
James Gordon Bennett, Jr. (May 10, 1841 – May 14, 1918), was a newspaper publisher and sports enthusiast.
In 1877, a few years of taking control of his father's paper, Gordon Bennett left New York after a scandal that ended his engagement to socialite Caroline May. The incident involved Bennett arriving late and drunk to a party at the May family's New York mansion, and urinating in either the living room fireplace or a nearby piano, in full view of his hosts (the location differed in the witnesses' memories). This incident is thought to be the origin of "Gordon Bennett" as an expression of disbelief, common in the southern regions of the United Kingdom.
2006-08-19 21:31:52 · answer #2 · answered by sarkyastic31 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My mum always used to tell me that Gordon Bennett was a magician who did the trick where you pull the table cloth from under all the plates and cups on the table. However, he was never very good so often used to break them and everyone would say oooohhhh gordon bennett. As a child I believed this to be true, I'm not so sure now lol
2016-03-17 00:12:16 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look at this website, it has the derivation of many common slang terms and sayings
www.peevish.co.uk/slang/articles/gordon-bennett
It is commonly believed that this expression has its origins in the popularity of James Gordon-Bennett, Jr..
His father, born in Scotland in 1795, emigrated to the US to become a journalist and subsequently founded the 'New York Herald' in 1835. The many innovations he established within newspaper publishing, including European correspondents, illustrated news articles, the joint founding of The Associated Press (1848) and the first major use of the telegraph for news, led to a successful news empire which amassed considerable wealth.
2006-08-19 21:29:03 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
When I were but a lad I 'ad a barber name of Gordon Basset. I jokingly used his name as an expostulation in place of 'Gordon Bennet'; strangely (like Queen Victoria) he wasn't amused.
2006-08-21 12:41:50 · answer #5 · answered by narkypoon 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
James Gordon Bennett, Junior inspired the expression - he was a notorious playboy who became known for his extravagant lifestyle and shocking behaviour.
2006-08-19 21:30:01 · answer #6 · answered by Graham I 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Apart from all the exploits listed previously, I have read about one other eccentricity G.B. had. He liked to whip the tablecloth out from under the dining plates etc of guests at posh resturants. Evidently this was always a disaster and he would shower the angry diners with wads of cash to compensate them.
I can't remember where I read this and have only seen it the one time so although I haven't made it up, I take this particular story with a grain of salt.
2006-08-20 14:07:55 · answer #7 · answered by tampinatorx 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have always thought that "Gordon Bennett" was a footballer!!
Thanks for asking the question - I've learned something new too!!!
2006-08-19 23:22:23 · answer #8 · answered by Jay Jay 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Good Question..
I will check back when someone has left the answer.
2006-08-19 21:28:57 · answer #9 · answered by red 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
What they said
2006-08-21 10:05:46 · answer #10 · answered by Bellshk 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋