Gang Busters was a famous radio program that was first heard in 1936 and aired until 1957. The sound effects of police sirens, tommyguns, and screeching tires that opened the show were dramatic and exciting -- this inspired the expression 'coming on like gangbusters'.
Usage has opened up to describe things that are not just exciting, but successful, intense, and many other adjectives, and many drop the 'coming on like' prefix. I think we should be more careful about how we use it, and keep it true to its origin -- something that starts with much excitement and drama is 'coming on like gangbusters'.
Usage has opened up to describe things that are not just exciting, but successful, intense, and many other adjectives, and many drop the 'coming on like' prefix. I think we should be more careful about how we use it, and keep it true to its origin -- something that starts with much excitement and drama is 'coming on like gangbusters'.
by M. Warrener January 15, 2008
Also used in conjunction with "like", to create "like gangbusters". This phrase can be used to describe something energetic or intense.
by riloman April 16, 2004
by atom June 7, 2006
by Cole Worley March 31, 2007
gangbusters ;adjective. When used to describe people it infers the person is highly attractive. When used to describe an object it means it is highly desirable/cool
by Azarules February 26, 2010
by Chris Gifford February 23, 2005
A person who gangbusts.
by TheGangbustah007 September 1, 2010