A.Word.A.Day --Gordon Bennett

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Gordon Bennett

PRONUNCIATION:

(GOR-dn BEN-it)

MEANING:

interjection: Expressing surprise, puzzlement, incredulity, annoyance, etc.

ETYMOLOGY:

The expression is primarily used in the UK even though Gordon Bennett was an American. It comes from the name of newspaperman James Gordon Bennett, Jr. (1841-1918). He was known as Gordon Bennett to distinguish him from his father, James Gordon Bennett, Sr., a Scottish immigrant to the US and founder of the New York Herald. The son inherited the paper and wealth, and was known for his extravagant and shocking life. The term Gordon Bennett alludes to his wild ways, and perhaps originated as a euphemism for gorblimey. Gordon Bennett escaped to France to get away from scandals and became famous in Europe for establishing awards in sports such as yachting, auto and airplane racing, ballooning, etc.

USAGE:

"Gordon Bennett, have they nothing better to do than gawp*?"
Robert McNeil; A Date For Your Diary; The Scotsman (Edinburgh, Scotland); Jun 19, 2009.

[* to gawk]

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:

Do not fear to be eccentric in opinion, for every opinion now accepted was once eccentric. -Bertrand Russell, philosopher, mathematician, author, Nobel laureate (1872-1970)

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