In Like Flynn (Was: Cowboy lingo)

[Baker, John]

        That's a persistent rumor, demolished by Barry's work.  Flynn was charged with statutory rape in 1942, while "in like Flynn" goes back at least to 1940.  The most likely explanation is simply that it's rhyming slang; the counterpart, as shown by a 1943 citation also found by Barry, is "out like Stout."

        Even though "in like Flynn" did not derive from the Errol Flynn trial, there is anecdotal evidence, presented in The Straight Dope, that the association was early and contributed to the phrase's popularity.

John Baker


-----Original Message-----
From: James A. Landau [mailto:JJJRLandau at AOL.COM]
Sent: Monday, December 08, 2003 9:24 PM
To: ADS-L at LISTSERV.UGA.EDU
Subject: Re: Cowboy lingo


Off-topic:  MSNBC News today says that the term "In like Flynn" originated to
describe how the actor Error Flynn emerged unscathed from a potentially
career-destroying scandal.  Correct?  Somehow it sounds to me like an etymythology.


        - James A. Landau
          systems engineer
          FAA Technical Center (ACB-510/BCI)
          Atlantic City Int'l Airport NJ 08405 USA