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You Silly Billy . . . . .

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rcrayner | 23:58 Thu 05th Feb 2004 | Phrases & Sayings
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Anyone know the origin of this saying?
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Avatar Image Quizmonster
The first time 'silly billy' was used in a general way to refer to anyone silly - rather than someone silly but specifically called 'Billy' - was in the 1870s in a publication by B Jerrold. More recently, it was brought back into fashion by Dennis Healey, the Labour Minister during the 1970s.
07:46 Fri 06th Feb 2004
Avatar Image incitatus
QM- in the specific case ive always been told it was referring to William IV, sailor bill. Any thoughts?
08:14 Fri 06th Feb 2004
Avatar Image bernardo
No, it was not brought back into fashion by Denis Healey. It was popularised by the comedian Mike Yarwood doing impressions of Denis Healey. Healey never used the phrase himself, except when he was doing impressions of Mike Yarwood doing impressions of him.
10:01 Fri 06th Feb 2004
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Yes, I, 'Silly Billy' was originally the nickname given to William Frederick, Duke of Gloucester (1776 - 1834) and also to King William IV (1765 - 1837), as you say.

Point taken, Bernardo. The picture I had in my head was, indeed, of Mr Healey caricaturing his Yarwood-inspired self.

11:31 Fri 06th Feb 2004

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