All the ducks are swimming in the water

[venta]

Can anyone tell me whence the phrase:

"They're really very good, you know."

comes ? (Or possibly "jolly good".)

A quick google suggests many sources. I hear it said in a particular tone of voice and slightly plummy accent, which is suggesting sample/radio/tv to me, rather than written down.

For bonus points, why do I associate this phrase with mr_tom ? I have no idea.

Today I am listening to my nice new Lemon Jelly album, which I acquired when I was kidnapped by the HMV sale on Friday night. On a first listen, I'd give it a pretty amazing out of ten.

I also associate Lemon Jelly with Mr_Tom, because as far as I'm aware him saying he liked Lemon Jelly was my first encounter with the name. At the time I assumed he was recommending a citrus and gelatine based pudding product.

Comments

[wechsler.livejournal.com]

Used by Wallace Greenslade in at least one Goon Show, and I get the impression that that was a reference to earlier usage.

[broadmeadow.livejournal.com]

Brings to mind Sgt Wilson (John Le Mesurier) in Dad's Army. Is that it?

[venta.livejournal.com]

No idea. I've barely ever watched Dad's Army.

I really don't know whether I'll recognise the origin of this phrase. I guess I may well have picked it up from other people saying it, so what I want to know is where they've got it from :)

[wimble.livejournal.com]

I'll go with Dad's army, but possibly Godfrey. But certainly, that tone.

[phlebas.livejournal.com]

"Have a few magnesium-salted almonds!" said the man who, if the Savage were to advance, would be the first to be attacked. He held out a packet. "They're really very good, you know," he added, with a rather nervous smile of propitation. "And the magnesium salts will help to keep you young."

-Aldous Huxley, Brave New World

[mr-tom.livejournal.com]

I think that particular catchphrase tends to pepper my vocabulary thanks to the nefarious influence of michael_winner.

And Lemon Jelly are the way forward. Especially "In the Bath".

[uitlander]

Yeah. I second the Godfrey vote!

[qatsi.livejournal.com]

Probably his sisters' quince jam.

Perhaps see also The Face of Evil - something like this:

The Doctor: Try a jelly baby. They're really very good, you know.
Leela: They say The Evil One eats babies.

[uitlander]

Oi! The Evil One is currently confining himself to a small portion of field mouse every week.

[pm215]

I reckon you cheated and used Google :-) I see you don't mention that Huxley is keeping dubious company with a load of fanfic, though...

[stegzy.livejournal.com]

Lemon Jelly are amazing! :-)

[venta.livejournal.com]

I found that by googling, but I'm sure I've read BNW, and I don't remember that scene at all, so was confused.

[phlebas.livejournal.com]

I assumed none of the dubious fanfic predated BNW.