# Happy Camper **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [May 26, 2000, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-camper/20651 "2000-05-26T23:36:13Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![wahhabb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/e8c25b/32.png) [@wahhabb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wahhabb)\ **Post date:** [May 26, 2000, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-camper/20651/1 "2000-05-26T23:36:13Z")
I have for years been searching for the origin of the phrase _“not a happy camper.”_ While listed in a few slang dictionaries, neither they nor anyone I have asked has a clue as to its origin. It sounds like something that could have come from a TV show–perhaps my friends don’t watch enough television. As I recall, one of the slang dictionaries says it originated in the '50’s, and quotes Al Gore as using it. Any light you could shed on this mystery would be greatly appreciated. ---
**Author:** ![AWB](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/bb73d2/32.png) [@AWB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AWB)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2000, 5:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-camper/20651/2 "2000-05-27T05:16:56Z")
I think it references some movie or TV show about a kids’ summer camp. When one kid complains about the camp conditions, a counselor says, “Somebody’s not a happy camper.” I can’t remember the movie, however. ---
**Author:** ![Bletchley](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7bcc69/32.png) [@Bletchley](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bletchley)\ **Post date:** [May 27, 2000, 5:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/happy-camper/20651/3 "2000-05-27T05:52:18Z")
I think it’s from “Spin and Marty” a Disney Serial for kids from the 50’s.