Gordon Bennett (expression)

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Gordon Bennett is an expression that is used to denote surprise or shock. A typical usage, for instance, might be "Gordon Bennett! Look at the size of that." It is a common expression or exclamation used in British English, and there is a comic book character, Gordon Bennett, based on the expression.

James Gordon Bennett, Junior inspired the expression. Bennett — the son of James Gordon Bennett, Senior — was a notorious New York newspaper proprietor and playboy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, who became famous for his extravagant lifestyle and behaviour. For example, James Gordon Bennett, Jr once arrived late and drunk at a party, at the mansion of the family of his fiancee, socialite Caroline May. Once there, he urinated into the fireplace in full view of his hosts. The engagement was broken off immediately, and the subsequent notoriety caused Bennett to move to France. This incident has appeared in the Guinness Book of World Records, under "Greatest Engagement Faux Pas."

As a result of such incidents, "Gordon Bennett" became stuck in the British vernacular.

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