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.'"
- Good night, nurse R. Berg 12/23/01