Gordon Bennett (phrase)

"Gordon Bennett" is an English-language idiomatic phrase used to express surprise, contempt, outrage, disgust, frustration or exasperation.

Background

The expression is thought to derive either from the controversial reputation of James Gordon Bennett Jr. (1841–1918), son of British-born James Gordon Bennett Sr., founder and publisher of the New York Herald, or as a minced oath, "perhaps a euphemistic substitution for gorblimey". Bennett Jr. was an accomplished polo player, tennis player and yachtsman. There was also an Australian general of the same name from World War II, but any link there is ruled out by an earlier 1937 quotation of the interjection.

Usage examples

The phrase is often said by cockney Del Boy, played by David Jason, in the British sitcom Only Fools And Horses. It was often heard in other cockney sitcoms too, such as Steptoe and Son and Till Death Us Do Part.

It was also used in the 1970s sitcom Please Sir!

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

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

"Gordon Bennett!" is a catchphrase often used by Holly, the ship's computer in the 1988 British science fiction comedy television series Red Dwarf.

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

The character Ace said it in season 25, episode 5 of Doctor Who.

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