Nobody took the bait...

O

OldEngineer

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Some weeks back I posted about the use of "Bob's yer uncle" and "Aunt Fanny's yer aunt" (in the British Isles). I was hoping someone knew the history behind it all and would share a fun and interesting story or at least look it up. But noooo, all I got was one snarky pike from a Scotsman. So, I begrudgingly looked it up.

Here's what I found in case you like trivia: Nothing. At least nothing interesting.
There is no clear origin except for some references to the 20th British Prime Minister, Robert Arthur Talbot Gascoyne-Cecil, 3rd Marquess of Salisbury. He is infamous for appointing his nephew to many political and governmental posts during his reign. (Yawn)

Here in the US, the origins of the name Uncle Sam are just as boring and subject to some dispute. Most historians believe that the name came from a New York merchant named Sam Wilson, known by his friends as “Uncle Sam.” Wilson supplied beef to American troops during the War of 1812. (Fascinating...)

Do any other countries have 'uncles'? Probably boring if so.
 

Naturally said:
We also have Uncle Ben and Aunt Jemima ... or used to anyway
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I invested in a few merch samples as memorabilia. I think some people have overreacted to those as racial stereotypes and I believe that during my lifetime they were much more about representation.
 
OldEngineer said:
Some weeks back I posted about the use of "Bob's yer uncle" and "Aunt Fanny's yer aunt" (in the British Isles). I was hoping someone knew the history behind it all and would share a fun and interesting story or at least look it up. But noooo, all I got was one snarky pike from a Scotsman. So, I begrudgingly looked it up.

Here's what I found in case you like trivia: Nothing. At least nothing interesting.
There is no clear origin except for some references to the 20th British Prime Minister, Robert Arthur Talbot Gascoyne-Cecil, 3rd Marquess of Salisbury. He is infamous for appointing his nephew to many political and governmental posts during his reign. (Yawn)

Here in the US, the origins of the name Uncle Sam are just as boring and subject to some dispute. Most historians believe that the name came from a New York merchant named Sam Wilson, known by his friends as “Uncle Sam.” Wilson supplied beef to American troops during the War of 1812. (Fascinating...)

Do any other countries have 'uncles'? Probably boring if so.
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I don't think I saw it..otherwise I'm sure I would have given you the info...
 
What I've heard, but can't really verify, is this. The expression refers to the advantage of going to trial with a judge by the name of Robert (Bob for short), if he's your doting uncle. "Bob's your uncle" conveys things are looking good for you or simply the situation's copasetic.

In these liberated times of equality, it's sometimes said here in BC "Roberta's your auntie".
 
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dilettante said:
Uncle Roger?

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Uncle Ben and Aunt Jemima are products so I don't think we should include them in this important research.
Why is there an Aunt Roberta when there is already an Aunt Fanny?
And now Uncle Roger?? This clip is way over my head. I like fried rice, but I just don't get it. Can anyone explain? :-(
 
OldEngineer said:
Uncle Ben and Aunt Jemima are products so I don't think we should include them in this important research.
Why is there an Aunt Roberta when there is already an Aunt Fanny?
And now Uncle Roger?? This clip is way over my head. I like fried rice, but I just don't get it. Can anyone explain? :-(
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I have no answers for these finer points. I think some variants on expressions are regional. "Roberta's your auntie" probably just developed as a joke variant on "Bob's your uncle". Who knows? maybe some people thought of the Roberta variant was better than Fanny, but actually I never heard a "Fanny's your auntie" expression here in western Canada.☺️
 
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"Uncle Roger" is a persona used by a comedian currently based in the UK. Much of his material involves critiques of cooking shows, recipes, etc.
 
OldEngineer said:
Some weeks back I posted about the use of "Bob's yer uncle" and "Aunt Fanny's yer aunt" (in the British Isles). I was hoping someone knew the history behind it all and would share a fun and interesting story or at least look it up. But noooo, all I got was one snarky pike from a Scotsman. So, I begrudgingly looked it up.

Here's what I found in case you like trivia: Nothing. At least nothing interesting.
There is no clear origin except for some references to the 20th British Prime Minister, Robert Arthur Talbot Gascoyne-Cecil, 3rd Marquess of Salisbury. He is infamous for appointing his nephew to many political and governmental posts during his reign. (Yawn)
Click to expand...
"Bob's your uncle" is a British phrase meaning "there you have it" or "everything is all right." Its origin is a bit uncertain, but it's believed to have originated in the late 19th century. One popular theory is that it stems from the 1887 appointment of Arthur Balfour, a nephew of British Prime Minister Robert Gascoyne-Cecil (Lord Salisbury), to the prestigious position of Chief Secretary for Ireland. Balfour's uncle, Robert Cecil, was colloquially referred to as "Bob," hence the phrase "Bob's your uncle" meant something like "you're all set" or "you're in luck."

"Aunt Fanny's your aunt" is less common and less widely known than "Bob's your uncle." It's likely a humorous variation or play on "Bob's Your Uncle," but its origin and usage aren't as well-documented or widespread.

There is (an obscure) German phrase similar to the English phrase, "Und fertig ist die Laube!" which roughly translates to "And there is the arbour finished!" or, more idiomatically, "And there you have it!" As you can see, it is equally boring.
 

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