Phrase Finder

His name is Dennis

Posted by ESC March 21, 2003In reply to I need help with a phrase from a George Kelly play!!! posted by Lynnae Andersen on March 21, 2003

Hi all,
I was wondering if anyone knew the meaning of this phrase, found in George Kelly's play "Daisy Mayme," written in 1926:
"My name is absolutely DENNIS out there in that kitchen! They won't let me do a thing!"

What does the phrase itself mean? What did DENNIS refer to in the 1920's???

Help!! My actors are struggling for the answer. Thank you!

Here's one reference entry. Looking for others.

(one's) name is Dennis - one is done for. J. Reynolds in "Knickerbocker" (May) 38 "Carry me on, and his name Dennis"! cried the boat-steerer in a confident voice." From Random House Historical Dictionary of American Slang, Volume 1, A-G by J.E. Lighter, Random House, New York, 1994.

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