Crikey! Lor' luvaduck! Jiminy crickets!

[dellzeqq]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2009/jul/20/words-language-father

I'm on a mission to preserve not only those old Light Programme epithets, but a few Norman Rockwell-stylee classics as well. It distresses me to think that one of these days nobody, but nobody will say 'Blimey ol' riley!' or even 'Great Scot!'. And that will be far from fine and dandy, let alone peachy-keen.

Am I alone? Well, obviously not. Mr. Preston, who lives just down the road from me is on a similar mission. Should I see him pass by in his large car (who could forget) I'll attempt to engage him in conversation. The result will be, for those of tender years, too awful to contemplate.

So, CCers - which of your parents or grandparents favourite expressions should be listed?

 

[accountantpete]

"I'll tan yer arse like a zebra crossing"

 

[Globalti]

"Flippin' Nora!"

 

[luplowe]

My Dad used to say, "ill go to the foot of our stairs"

But now they live in a bungalow.

 

[ChrisKH]

"Christopher, you would make a saint swear."

 

[johnnyh]

"Gordon Bennett"

 

[ACS]

When ever my grand dad met any of his many brothers he would say "Bless my soul, I haven't seen you since the old king died."

It was a sort of family tradition.

 

[rich p]

"Gordon Bennett"

Mr and Mrs Bennettwemusn'tletourphrasesgo and their son........

......Gordon Bennettwe............

c) ISIHAC

 

[rich p]

I should coco

 

[Theseus]

When going over a railway level crossing, my Dad always shouted out "Hard Lines!". I have no idea why. I am maintaining this tradition.

 

[dellzeqq]

I cannot tell you how much I have enjoyed reading these posts. 'Gordon Bennett' (has that got something to do with racing cars in the Isle of Man) is one of my absolute favourites, and I use it a lot.

Does anybody shout 'oil' when they're on a group ride?

 

[goo_mason]

Much beloved of the older generation Broons and Oor Wullie readers:

"Jings, crivvens, help-ma-boab, michty me, murder polis !"

Sadly no longer uttered by anyone under the age of 40

 

[Aperitif]

"Stap me" was my Mum's favourite exhaust..."'Blige me" - my Dad's. Not sure what it was all about.
"'...it/he was as black as Newgate's knocker..."(anything darker than grey) - EX father in law.
And my Mum still says (about virtually anyone or anything she sees on the TV - "I wouldn't give you tuppence three farthing for him..")

 

[User482]

I think that Gordon Bennett was an American newspaper owner who also used to have a racing car team. But why the expression evolved, I cannot say. My nan used to say it too.

 

[dellzeqq]

http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/gordon-bennett.html
fascinating stuff. Includes the matchless phrase 'He took to his heels and fled to England, ending up in Melton Mowbray'.