Does anyone know how the expression "Tom, Dick and Harry" came about? A friend of mine seems to think it originated in a movie. I'm not so sure. Any ideas?

Hello and welcome, scottrm!

Brewer says: A Victorian term for the "man in the street", more particularly, persons of no note.

There are no citations [in Brewer] to support this.

originated in a movie

Hi Scottrm

Don't quite believe this can have been the point of origin, since very little in movies is other than referential!

Here's a mention of the Ginger Rogers movie:
http://www.videoflicks.com/VF2/1021/1021620.ihtml

Do you know the origin, Bingley, tsuwm, anyone?

I suspected as much. Thanks for responding!

Hi there Scott - welcome aboard.

This phrase was definitely in use before films - or even photography - had been invented. I suspect that it might even be pre-Victorian, although there is no doubt that it was in use then - with the meaning given above -"Every Tom, Dick and Harry will be there."

The three names were probably chosen for a) the frequency that they were used as names, and b) the euphonius sound - almost poetic, as Dylan Thomas realised when he utilized them for Polly Garter's song (apart from the connotation that every T,D & H went with Polly)

Rhu's explanation makes sense. It is similar to the use of Mr. Smith as a pseudonym. It is used a lot in comedic movies when a couple wants to register at a hotel without giving their real name since they are not married, or are married to someone else . They register under Mr. and Mrs. Smith. It is also used to mean a Mister Everyman.

the earliest citation from OED is this:

1734 Vocal Miscellany (ed. 2) I. 332 "Farewell, Tom, Dick, and Harry, Farewell, Moll, Nell, and Sue."

Smith...also used to mean a Mister Everyman

- a bit like "John Doe" in the US, perhaps? Only I feel sure that's an invented name rather than one that was genuinely common at some point in time. More "any man" than "every man". Is that a valid supposition?

I wonder what a modern equivalent for Tom, Dick and Harry would be. Actually, I dread to think!

I wonder what a modern equivalent for Tom, Dick and Harry would be.

Mike, John, and Chris.


Look at the biblical influences in that!

<modern equivalent for Tom, Dick and Harry >

Bruce, Bruce and Bruce [in Australia, according to Monty Python]

I wonder what a modern equivalent for Tom, Dick and Harry would be.

Reminds me of a poster ad for Ouzo from a few years ago:

<brand name> - for every Con, Nick and <sorry, I've forgotten the third name - anyone else remember it?>

Ha! I love it.

- for every Con, Nick and <sorry, I've forgotten the third name -

Con nick and Harry: Harry Connick?
For every Con, Nick and Patrick? But I thought ouzo
was Greek.

A search of The Concordance of Great Books (url: http://www.concordance.com/ ) gives this reference to Henry IV part 1, act 2 scene 4:

Sirrah, I am sworn brother
|1H4-2-4| ** to a leash of drawers; and can call them all by
|1H4-2-4| ** their christen names, as Tom, Dick, and Francis.
|1H4-2-4| ** They take it already upon their salvation, that
|1H4-2-4| ** though I be but the prince of Wales, yet I am king
|1H4-2-4| ** of courtesy; and tell me flatly I am no proud Jack,
|1H4-2-4| ** like Falstaff, but a Corinthian, a lad of mettle, a
|1H4-2-4| ** good boy, by the Lord, so they call me, and when I
|1H4-2-4| ** am king of England, I shall command all the good
|1H4-2-4| ** lads in Eastcheap.

Since Prince Hal is speaking, I suppose he couldn't really use Tom, Dick or Harry. I do remember reading that versions of the phrase go back even further, but I can't remember my source.

Bingley

Reminds me of the person who was asked what they thought of their first trip to see Hamlet on stage.

"Too many clichés" they replied.

"Too many quotations" was the version I heard.

Bingley

I heard the old lady liked it because Hamlet used so many famous quotes...

according to Monty Python

Oh yes, a classic indeed, paul.

Has to be said that some Monty P hasn't weathered quite so well, though - heard the sketch about Australian wines?
Stuff along the lines of:
"Chateau Bleu Woggawogga - has a bouquet like an Aborigine's armpit...
This isn't a wine for drinking, this is a wine for laying down and avoiding...
Another fine fighting wine..."

Very funny, but singularly inapt these days !