It's from the Catcher in the Rye.
Although it was indeed used there, it's a phrase that's been knocking around the British Isles for centuries - both Burns and Wordsworth have used it, amongst others. Long ago, both notions (that of being a scholar, and that of being a gentleman) were most worthy ideals. Thus this doubling of 'worthiness' was really heaping praise upon someone.
The phrase "You are a gentleman and a scholar" is believed to have originated in the 18th century as a complimentary expression to praise someone's character and intelligence. The exact first person to say it is unknown, but it has since become a common expression of admiration.
NO.
In ancient China, scholar officials were highly educated individuals who passed rigorous exams to serve in government positions based on their intellectual abilities rather than their social status or connections.
You are a scholar and a gentleman, both smart and kind. He was the brightest scholar at the university.
I heard it was from a Play and the line goes: You are a Gentleman and a scholar, a fine judge of whiskey and women and there are dam few of us left.
I consulted with a scholar to gather information for my research paper.
Kolej Sultan Abdul Hamid's motto is 'Scholar, Sportsman, Gentleman'.
The First Gentleman was created in 1948.
From the movie, An Officer and a Gentleman. David Keith said it to Richard Gere, as "Mayo".
This is used as an insult by Holden Caulfield in Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger, as he sees both gentlemen and scholars as superficial.
The cast of The First Gentleman - 1999 includes: Kevin Dunn as The First Gentleman Helen Shaver as Marjorie Litchfield
The young scholar impressed her professors with her depth of knowledge and research skills.
Bill Clinton was the first US president to be named a Rhodes scholar.