"Heavens to Murgatroid!" what's a Murgatroid?
Asked by
ETpro (
34605
)
July 1st, 2011
As this ad clip clearly illustrates, the Hanna-Barbarea cartoon character, Snagglepus, made “Heavens to Murgatroid!” a household phrase. But does anyone know who or what Murgatroid is/was? Anyone know where the saying originated? “Heavens to Murgatroid!” if you know, do tell, already.
Observing members:
0
Composing members:
0
9 Answers
“Heavens to Murgatroid” is a comic alternative to “heavens to Betsy,” the origin of which is unknown and was once declared unsolvable by the etymologist Charles Earle Funk. Most likely, the phrase is a euphemism of some kind—but for what, no one knows.
@aprilsimnel Which begs the question, “Who was Margret?”
@SavoirFaire I think the first use of it is know. What inspired it to be used in that context is less clear.
The first use of “Heavens to Murgatroid” is known. It was used by Bert Lahr in Meet the People as a comic alternative to “Heavens to Betsy.” It is the origin of “Heavens to Betsy” that is unknown.
It is dually used to describe a very painful condition of an inflamed hemorrhoid with a nerve connected to your bellybutton and your left upper molar or used to the point of virtual ineffectiveness between married couples to decide who drives the kids to piano lessons.
@ETpro Don’t even think that was a freebie diagnosis….bill is in the mail!!
@Cruiser I want a second opinion. Get a cat to look me over and a Labrador retriever to sniff me. If the cat scan and a lab report agree, then the diagnosis is certain.
I don’t know where the saying originated, but this is Murgatroyd. Murgatroyd is the bird you see at the beginning of this clip. link
Answer this question 
Composing members:
0
