"Bob's your uncle"

[mwalsh62]

To any and all Brits,

What is the origin of this saying? I've heard it in movies, T.V. etc., and just saw it in a post. Have been wondering for years, thought it time to ask.

Thanks.

[PennieNPence]

Re: "Bob's your uncle"

I'm not a brit.... But soon to be.

I got this from (of all places) Bobsyouruncal.com...
Go figure. :)

“Bob’s Your Uncle” is a British expression used
to mean “everything’s fine”, but most people
don’t know its origin:

In 1877, British Prime Minister, Robert Cecil,
appointed his nephew as Minister for Ireland.
The press had a field day when he referred to
the Prime Minister as “Uncle Bob”. That’s how
“Bob’s Your Uncle” became a popular phrase
applied to sum up any positive situation.

[mwalsh62]

Re: "Bob's your uncle"

Thanks for the explanation, I think I'll start using the expression, see if it will catch on in the Midwest! Maybe do some research and see if there is a similiar american story, maybe, "Abe's your cousin", or perhaps "George H.W.'s your daddy"?

Thanks again,

Mike

[PennieNPence]

Re: "Bob's your uncle"

lol

well we use...

teddy bear after teddy rosevelt.....

"honest abe".....

"uncal tom" after uncal tom's cabin... (although you don't want to be called that)

"uncal sam wants you" from the war effort

even "I like Ike" From ike turner's campain

I'm sure I'm missing a million of them

[DarleneM]

Re: "Bob's your uncle"

Ike Turner is a musician best known for his work with his former wife Tina Turner. "I like Ike" originated during Dwight D. Eisenhower's presidential campaign.

[PennieNPence]

Re: "Bob's your uncle"

oh... opps

I think that was a brain hiccup. sorry