phrases, sayings, idioms and expressions at

Good night nurse

Posted by ESC on December 23, 2001 at

In Reply to: Old sayings posted by Bruce Kahl on December 23, 2001

: : Where did the saying "Good Night Nurse!" come from?

: "Good Night Nurse" is the name of a 1918 silent movie short starring Buster Keaton and Fatty Arbuckle with Arbuckle in drag as a flirting nurse to Keaton's doctor.
: But I don't really know if this is the source for your phrase.

(See Bruce's post for a photo of the above.)

GOOD NIGHT NURSE -- From Random House Historical Dictionary of American Slang, Volume 1, A-G by J. E. Lighter: "good night - interj. (used to indicate or comment on a disastrous conclusion; also used to indicate surprise or exasperation). - also constru. With 'nurse,' 'Irene,' etc. ..1918 'Independent' (June 22) 472: 'When he draws a bead on one, it's good night nurse.'"

© 1997 – 2024 Phrases.org.uk. All rights reserved.