What's more current than the weather?

[monster]

.... but I think it means something more along the lines of "have a safe journey"

[Carruthers]

Originally Posted by monster

....I never even realized it was uniquely British. But I don't use it.

Originally Posted by monster

.... but I think it means something more along the lines of "have a safe journey"

There's a famous bit of archive audio from the launch of Friendship 7 (1962) where the NASA commentator says "Godspeed John Glenn".

[monster]

Originally Posted by Carruthers

There's a famous bit of archive audio from the launch of Friendship 7 (1962) where the NASA commentator says "Godspeed John Glenn".

then Not British. *shrug* I just thought it was an odd phrase for this guy to pick up on, and here it is again.

[Carruthers]

Originally Posted by monster

then Not British. *shrug* I just thought it was an odd phrase for this guy to pick up on, and here it is again.

Found it. 7 seconds in.

[Griff]

Godspeed

The modern word godspeed derives from the expression God speed you on your way, which came about at a time when speed meant to prove successful or to prosper. That archaic sense of speed is long gone, but godspeed still means may you prosper on your way. It’s similar to good luck, though it’s often used in reference to people who have passed away. It’s also sometimes said to people, especially sailors, embarking on difficult journeys.

The term, which functions as both a noun and an interjection, is sometimes treated as two words, but the one-word godspeed is about five times as common in modern writing. Some publications always capitalize the g in godspeed, and some don’t.

http://grammarist.com/usage/godspeed/

This is interesting because it seems like I've seen it
misused in period movies.

[Lamplighter]

...Some publications always capitalize the g in godspeed, and some don’t...

I seem to remember that the "g" is not capitalized by some religious groups,
so as to steer clear of the commandment to not take the Lord's name in vain.

[DanaC]

Originally Posted by Griff

This is interesting because it seems like I've seen it
misused in period movies.

In what way?

[xoxoxoBruce]

Cape Cod, MA, this morning.

[Griff]

Originally Posted by DanaC

In what way?

I can't think of an example but my gut is saying the focus seemed more on getting somewhere rapidly than having prosperity or success. I suppose though I could have been bringing my misunderstanding of the term to the table as someone getting somewhere fast in a drama could often have a prosperous end. [/shrug] I'd really need to remember a specific case and look at it. I always thought it was a reference to Mercury or Hermes.