The origin of the expression “Great Scott” is unclear, with some sources claiming it refers to United States Army general Winfield Scott, while others suggest it may be a euphemism for “Great God”. Despite its uncertain origins, the phrase has become popular in pop culture, appearing in TV shows, movies, and even as names for bands and stores.
While most sources agree that the expression “Great Scott” refers to an exclamation of surprise, wonder, shock, or disbelief, sources disagree as to its origin. Several sources claim that its origin refers to a colorful United States Army general, Winfield Scott.
Scott, who enlisted in the Army in 1809 at the age of 23, was originally nicknamed Fuss and Feathers due to his preoccupation with uniform and procedure. He became a hero in both the 1812 and Mexican wars. It was during the Mexican War, however, that he was probably renamed “Great Scott”.
In 1846, President James Polk sent General Scott and his troops to battle Mexico over what is now New Mexico and California. Scott and his men won numerous battles and successfully occupied Mexico City in 1848. While these facts are quite verifiable, the real reason for the first expression of “Great Scott” is however not so clear.
Some sources report that Scott was smug and boastful, so much so that the use of the expression “Great Scott” would actually be a form of sarcasm. We know that after his military service, Scott campaigned as a Whig candidate for President of the United States in 1852. During this campaign, many taunted him as Great Scott. He lost the election by a narrow margin to Democratic nominee Franklin Pierce,
Other possibilities for the phrase’s origin include that it is pronounced similar to a German greeting Gruess Gott, or Great God. Therefore, some believe that the expression “Great Scott” is a euphemism for Great God. If that’s the case, the phrase could be what’s called a minced oath, similar to how you might say curse in place of something more offensive.
No matter what its origin, the expression has taken on a life of its own. Those who have adopted Great Scott as a name include a TV series, a band, a chain store, a wrestler, and at least one television cartoon character. The phrase itself is often used by comic book heroes and by actors in film and television. Great Scott is spoken in the film Back to the Future, in the Chronicles of Narnia book series, and by Mr. Wilson, a character from the Dennis the Menace television series.
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