As I’m sure we will play a hand or two of 500 this Thanksgiving Day, I thought I’d find the answer to the age old question, “What does I’m in like Flynn mean.” Oh, of course we know what it means when we use it – it means “I’m totally going to make my bid!” or “There’s no stopping me!” But, from where does the phrase come? I’ve done a little research, which is to say I “Googled” the phrase, and below are my findings.
Most people seem to think that the phrase comes from the 1940s Australian actor Errol Flynn. Errol was a drinker and a womanizer. In 1943 Errol Flynn was acquitted for statutory rape of a teen age girl and the phrase gained momentum. Although the phrase can be applied to most situations, it was then often used to describe sexual conquests. There is some debate about whether the phrase’s provenance is owed to Errol Flynn or if his situation just assured its continued usage.
Prior to and during the same time that Errol was on the scene; Edward J Flynn (“Boss Flynn”) was campaign manager for the Democratic Party. In 1940 he succeeded James A. Farly as the Democratic Party’s national chairman. Everyone Boss Flynn touched turned to gold; he was so successful at winning elections in the South Bronx that his candidates seemed to get into office automatically. The phrase, In Like Flynn, has been spotted in 1940 and 1942, and is thought to refer the ease in which Boss Flynn used to get his candidates elected.
So, it looks to me as though Boss Flynn inspired the phrase's first usage, and Errol Flynn guaranteed its popularity. In any event, I hope to be In Like Flynn at the card table this Thanksgiving.
This Blog Post brought t o you by "Wordy Wednesdays"
4 comments:
Here you are using "provenance" again. It looks my word keeps choosing you, but you're refusing to listen.
PS: Euchre is better.
Here you are using "provenance" again. It looks my word keeps choosing you, but you're refusing to listen.
PS: Euchre is better.
Hmm. My computer seems to be repeating itself. That's OK, it bears repeating.
Unlike some people, I have played both 500 and Euchre. I can tell you from experience that 500 mops the floor with Euchre. If you'd ever play 500, you'd know that.
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