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stranger
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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?
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addict
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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.
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Carpal Tunnel
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originated in a movieHi 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.ihtmlDo you know the origin, Bingley, tsuwm, anyone?
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stranger
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I suspected as much. Thanks for responding!
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Pooh-Bah
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Pooh-Bah
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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)
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Carpal Tunnel
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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.
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Carpal Tunnel
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the earliest citation from OED is this:
1734 Vocal Miscellany (ed. 2) I. 332 "Farewell, Tom, Dick, and Harry, Farewell, Moll, Nell, and Sue."
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veteran
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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!
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I wonder what a modern equivalent for Tom, Dick and Harry would be.
Mike, John, and Chris.
Look at the biblical influences in that!
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<modern equivalent for Tom, Dick and Harry >
Bruce, Bruce and Bruce [in Australia, according to Monty Python]
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enthusiast
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enthusiast
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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?>
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Carpal Tunnel
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- 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.
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Carpal Tunnel
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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
Bingley
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Pooh-Bah
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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.
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Carpal Tunnel
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"Too many quotations" was the version I heard.
Bingley
Bingley
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old hand
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old hand
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I heard the old lady liked it because Hamlet used so many famous quotes...
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according to Monty PythonOh 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 ! 
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