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The phrase originated as 'son of a military man' (i.e. a gun). The most commonly repeated version in this strand is that the British Navy used to allow women to live on naval ships. Any child born on board who had uncertain paternity would be listed in the ship's log as 'son of a gun'.
You're a son of gun! In the phrase "son of a gun," the word "gun" is a metonym for a soldier. The term originates from the British Navy in the early 19th century. At that time, the Navy allowed women to live on ships. Inevitably, this led to the births of children with uncertain paternity.
Mar 3, 2022 · Typically, you're referring to another man or boy encouragingly. The saying can apply to people you know or strangers. For instance, if you're meeting a friend for drinks you haven't seen in a while, you could say, "Dylan, you son of a gun," when you meet them and shake hands. Example Usage. "Reece? You son of a gun, I thought that was you.
Jun 15, 2022 · If this was the case, the child’s name was recorded as the “son of a gun” — the son of a seaman below decks. Eventually, the common use of the phrase began to refer to any child born aboard a ship, even those of officers accompanied by their wives.
The phrase 'Son of a Gun' is used to describe a despicable or worthless person, usually male. The term can also be used as an exclamation that indicates surprise. It is sometimes used to compliment or encourage. Example of Use: "That son of a gun tried to steal my car from my driveway!”.
Jul 17, 2015 · 1. As @CopperKettle points out it's actually son of a gun. The phrase potentially has its origin in a Royal Navy requirement that pregnant women aboard naval vessels give birth in the space between the broadside guns, in order to keep the gangways and crew decks clear.
According to the OED a 'son of a gun' was a child born to a woman who accompanied her husband on a Royal Navy gunship. However I distinctly remember hearing on a BBC Radio 4 history programme that ...
1. A person; a fellow: That son of a gun knows how to sell cars and sell them well. 2. A rascal; a scamp: That son of a gun is always playing practical jokes. interj. Used to express annoyance, disappointment, or surprise. American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
son of a gun What does son of a gun mean? son of a gun (English) Origin & history The U.S. Navy publication Nomenclature of Ships (John Snelling, 1981) describes the origin of this phrase as follows: In an attempt to keep down the large number of deserters in the British Navy, the sailors were kept on board their ships while in English ports.
01. used to express one's annoyance or surprise. Close. Example. She has been surprising us with her artistic skills lately, that little son of a gun! Somebody go tell that son of a gun we’re all waiting here. He's always causing trouble, that son of a gun. We were laughing so hard at his jokes, that son of a gun had us in stitches all night.
