James Gordon Bennett Jr. was publisher of the New York Herald, founded by his father, James Gordon Bennett Sr., who emigrated from Scotland. He was generally known as Gordon Bennett to distinguish him from his father.

Why do Cockneys say Gordon Bennett?

Cockney rhyming slang for 'beers'. When you encourage someone to do something risky, you're egging them on, a term that comes from the Old Norse word eggja, meaning 'to incite'. Gordon Bennett Jr was the multi-millionaire son of the founder of the New York Herald.

Where does the phrase Gordon Bennett originate?

The expression is thought to derive from the controversial reputation of James Gordon Bennett Jr. (1841–1918), Scottish-born publisher of the New York Herald and accomplished polo player, tennis player and yachtsman.