golly

gol-ly · interjection

imported

Definitions

interjection

  1. 1.

    An exclamation of surprise, wonder, or mild emphasis; a euphemism for "God."

  2. 2.

    (noun, British) Short for golliwog, a type of doll (now considered offensive).

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    by golly — An exclamation emphasizing surprise or determination
  • •
    golly gee — An emphatic exclamation of surprise

Related words

See also: gee, goodness, gosh, wow
Synonyms: gee, goodness, gosh, wow

Etymology

A euphemistic alteration of "God," used to avoid blasphemy. First recorded in the 18th century. Similar to "gosh" and "gee" as religious minced oaths.