etymology






 

Question by  fatherpaul (36)

What is the origin of the phrase get out of Dodge?

Who said it first?

 
+9

Answer by  amiv (249)

In the long-running TV western "Gunsmoke," Marshall Matt Dillon maintained law and order in Dodge City. Trouble-makers could either get out of Dodge or face Marshall Dillon in a gunfight they would inevitably lose. The phrase has come to mean to simply leave town (or perhaps a situation), usually in a hurry.

 
+6

Answer by  ferfer72 (2623)

The were referring to Dodge City, Kansas. Old West entertainers used it to mean "get out of this area before it becomes trouble".

 
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