English Language & Usage Asked on March 23, 2021
The expression “bada bing” and often accompanied by “bada boom” is used when something was very easily accomplished or as an euphemism of the nastier bits of something (like in the Godfather). A quick look on Wiktionary and Urban Dictionary confirms this.
It seems onomatopoetic because of bing and boom, but where does the “bada” come from? The whole phrase seems to be a recent invention according to this Ngram, starting in the late 1980’s (surprising it was not sooner with the popularity of the aforementioned Godfather being released in 1972) peaking in the 2000’s (possibly in part to the popularity of The Soprano’s). The phrase does seem to go hand in hand with Mafioso culture as well.
So, where does this phrase come from and when did it take on its current meaning?
The earliest usage of bada bing dates back to 1965, according to the Oxford English Dictionary and Merriam-Webster.
About its etymology, the OED says 'Origin uncertain. Perhaps imitative of the sound of a drum roll and cymbal clash (compare boom-boom int.)'. Lexico says it was popularised by the US TV series The Sopranos. Dictionary.com says 'perhaps imitative of the sound of something clicking into place'. However, the real origin is unknown as mentioned by the OED.
Here's the example from 1965, used by Pat Cooper:
They never let go the envelopes. Ya gotta pull—bada-bing-a-bada-bang-a-bada-bing!
[OED]
According to WordSmith:
In 1958, he [Pat Cooper] premiered a routine entitled “The Italian Wedding” during which he used the phrase “bada-boom, bada-bing” in between descriptions of relatives who were scarfing down piles of capicolla sandwiches. An agent caught his act and booked him on The Jackie Gleason Show.
Correct answer by Decapitated Soul on March 23, 2021
The OED suggests an AmE origin, probably from Italian immigrants as the first recorded usage suggests:
slang (originally and chiefly U.S.).
Suggesting something happening suddenly, emphatically, or easily and predictably; ‘Just like that!’, ‘Presto!’
- 1965 P. Cooper Italian Wedding in Our Hero (transcription of sound recording of comedy routine) (O.E.D. Archive) They never let go the envelopes. Ya gotta pull—bada-bing-a-bada-bang-a-bada-bing!
Etymology: Origin uncertain. Perhaps imitative of the sound of a drum roll and cymbal clash (compare boom-boom int.). Perhaps compare Italian bada bene mark well.
From American Italian Dictionary:
Bada bing! – bam!; Note: Popularized in the 1970s by The Godfather character Santino Corleone.
Answered by user 66974 on March 23, 2021
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