[3] The song is based around an expletive traditionally said in the East End of London when someone is in disbelief of something, or wants to give a mild threat.

in the first album of Chas & Dave released in 1975, One Fing 'n' Anuvver, but they decided to use "Gertcha" as the title for the single as it was the more commonly used version of the word.

[7] An advertising executive Dave Trott heard the duo performed "Woortcha!"

in a pub in the East End in 1978, and decided to use the song for a series of adverts for Courage bitter.

The duo re-recorded the song at Portland Studios in London, and the faster version was released as "Gertcha" early May 1979.