Henry! Henry Aldrich! Coming, Mother!
A phrase used to call someone to attention (and their response to said call). It comes from Henry Aldrich, a mid-20th century radio show. A: "Where is that boy? Henry! Henry Aldrich!" B: "Coming, Mother!" A: "Has anyone seen my son? Henry! Henry Aldrich!" B: "Coming, Mother!" A: "Ah, there he is!" A: "Supper's ready! Henry! Henry Aldrich!" B: "Coming, Mother!"
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
Hen-ree! Henry Aldrich! Coming, Mother!
Henry Aldrich was a very popular radio show that ran from 1939 to 1953. The title character was an awkward adolescent who was forever getting into hot water with his girlfriend and his other friends. The show began with Mrs. Aldrich calling, “Hen-ree, Henry Aldrich!” to which he would reply, “Coming, Mother!” The phrase's elements became 1940s catchwords for summoning and responding, respectively.
Endangered Phrases by Steven D. Price Copyright © 2011 by Steven D. Price