Fred Karno's army

English Alternative forms en Karno's army en Fred Carno's army misspelling en Carno's army misspelling Etymology From the First World War marching tune "We're Fred Karno's Army", ultimately from the slapstick music hall entertainer Fred Karno. Pronunciation en /fɹɛd ˈkɑːnəʊz ɑːmiː/ UK Proper noun en UK slang A chaotic, poorly-managed group. en 28 November 1951 Whatever any hon. Member in any part of the Committee thinks about the advisability of this Bill, they all wish the Force that eventually is created to be an efficient one and not a Fred Karno's army. Anthony Head 494 1656 House of Commons New Clause.—(ENROLMENT.) en 1973 It was like bloody Fred Karno's army out there. They were sods. Drunk as lords. Been to a wedding party or something. With a Little Help from My Friends 156 John Pellow en 221 1997 'Honest, Marian — it's a right Fred Karno's army setup . . .' A Different War Craig Thomas en eponyms