Son of a gun




Previous Page

Son of a gun : Phrases



Meaning:

Exclamation of disbelief.


Example:

I'll be a son of a gun. I didn't think you could keep a job for more than six months.


Origin:

In the past it was one of contempt and derision derived from the fact that it described a special type of illegitimate child. In the old days civilian women were allowed to live on naval ships; many became pregnant and had their child on board, usually near the midship gun behind a canvas screen.


If the father was unknown, then the male child was recorded in the ship's log as a son of a gun.

Phrases Index





From Son of a gun to HOME PAGE



Follow These Links!