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gordon bennett

What does gordon bennett mean?

An exclamation of surprise, frustration or disbelief.

"Gordon Bennett, would you look at that mess!"

Origin

A euphemistic substitute for 'God', drawn from the flamboyant newspaper heir James Gordon Bennett Jr.

Frequently asked questions

What does 'Gordon Bennett' mean?
It's an exclamation of surprise, frustration or disbelief, used much like 'blimey' or 'good grief'.
Where does 'Gordon Bennett' come from?
It's a euphemistic substitute for 'God', taken from James Gordon Bennett Jr, a flamboyant American newspaper heir known for his extravagance.
Is 'Gordon Bennett' rude?
No — it's a minced oath, a polite way to vent without actually swearing.
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Slang definitions: FreeDict original editorial.