Donate SIGN UP
Home > Phrases & Sayings > Word Origins > Uncle Bob

Uncle Bob

Avatar Image
curious81 | 08:49 Mon 18th Jun 2007 | Word Origins
3 Answers
Where did the saying "Bobs you uncle "originate from? I have no uncle Bob, nor Robert!!
prev Needles and haystacks!!!
  
next Colds an fevers
Gravatar

Answers

1 to 3 of 3rss feed

Best Answer

No best answer has yet been selected by curious81. Once a best answer has been selected, it will be shown here.

For more on marking an answer as the "Best Answer", please visit our FAQ.
Avatar Image Quizmonster
In the the late 19th Century, the British Prime Minister was Lord Salisbury - family name, Robert Cecil. 'Bob' is, of course, the short form of 'Robert'. He gave a variety of Government positions to his not-very-able nephew, Arthur Balfour. That gave rise to 'Bob's your uncle' - meaning something pretty easy.
Another possible source is from a phrase 'all is bob' meaning 'all is safe' or 'everything is well'.
11:08 Mon 18th Jun 2007
Avatar Image curious81
Question Author
Thanks Quizmonster!!!
11:59 Mon 18th Jun 2007
Avatar Image pigeon toes
Do you have an aunt called Fanny!!!!??? lol
15:16 Mon 18th Jun 2007

1 to 3 of 3rss feed

Do you know the answer?

Uncle Bob

Answer Question >>