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Uncle Bob

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curious81 | 09:49 Mon 18th Jun 2007 | Word Origins
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Where did the saying "Bobs you uncle "originate from? I have no uncle Bob, nor Robert!!
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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'.
12:08 Mon 18th Jun 2007
Avatar Image curious81
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Thanks Quizmonster!!!
12:59 Mon 18th Jun 2007
Avatar Image pigeon toes
Do you have an aunt called Fanny!!!!??? lol
16:16 Mon 18th Jun 2007

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Uncle Bob

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