“Whoa Nellie!” was the signature catchphrase of Dick Lane, a hall of fame roller derby and pro wrestling announcer on KTLA 5 in Los Angeles. Though born in Wisconsin in 1899 he began working in LA in during WWII. Southern California kids of my age all used it frequently. Don’t need a Texan to teach us anything about that.
“Southern California kids of my age all used it frequently.”
Yep.
“What’s your name?”
“Whoa Nellie!”
“How much is two plus two?”
“Whoa Nellie!”
“Where is the train station?”
“Whoa Nellie!”
“We must be in Southern California.”
Yes, Dick Lane used to say it all the time but I believe the catchphrase “Whoa Nelly!” originated with Pat Brady, Roy Rogers TV sidekick. Nelly was short for Nellybelle, the name of his cantankerous Jeep. He used the phrase in nearly every show .