Discussion
I see this phrase used a lot on forums, and I assume it stands for : She Who Must Be Obeyed....
Now, this also implies to me that this really means wife or girlfriend....
This also suggests to me that since the phrase girlfriend can be shortened to "gf" and that "wife" is easier to write than "swmbo", that must mean that swmbo is an admission by the author that they are in fact, under the thumb.
Discuss!
Now, this also implies to me that this really means wife or girlfriend....
This also suggests to me that since the phrase girlfriend can be shortened to "gf" and that "wife" is easier to write than "swmbo", that must mean that swmbo is an admission by the author that they are in fact, under the thumb.
Discuss!
ing, Etcetera 
It came to prominence in "Rumpole of the Bailey". However, Horace, being classically educated, would be quick to point out to you that the phrase originated in H Rider-Haggard's novel "She". If you listen carefully to Leo McKern's phrasing, you will notice that he usually puts the correct pause into the sentence as in "She, who must be obeyed" which is taken directly from Rider-Haggard's book.
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