What is the origin of the phrase “in like Flynn”? I have heard it alludes to the sexual exploits of the actor Errol Flynn but have a difficult time believing a reference so graphic could have become a common catchphrase.
Maybe your mom would. Mine would sooner die.
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The earliest known use of “in like Flynn” in print is in the December 1946 issue of American Speech. Penn State prof Ed Miller reported that sti udents of his who had served in the army air force during World War II used the expression to mean, “Everything is OK.’ In other words, the pilot is having no more trouble than Errol Flynn has in his cinematic feats.”
One film bio none too subtly comments, “Warner Brothers . . . found [Flynn’s] popularity not only had held but had a new spurt of interest. A new phrase was added to the English language: ‘In like Flynn”‘ (Tony Thomas et al, The Films of Errol Flynn, 1969).
Now we have the beginnings of a theory. “In like Flynn” starts as rhyming slang in New York, helped along by the prominence of Boss Flynn. NYC draftees spread it among the troops nationwide with the start of World War II. The phrase gets a boost when the well-publicized travails of Errol Flynn in 1942 give it a double meaning. But its innocent origin allows Cecil’s mom to use it without being scandalized.
Is there something you need to get straight? Cecil Adams can deliver the Straight Dope on any topic. Write Cecil Adams at the Chicago Reader, 11 E. Illinois, Chicago 60611; E-mail him at cecil@chireader.com; or visit the Straight Dope area at America Online, keyword: Straight Dope.
