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by golly
01
used to express surprise, emphasis, or admiration in a polite or playful way
Dated
Euphemistic
Informal
What is the origin of the exclamation "by golly" and how is it used?
By golly is an exclamation used to express surprise, emphasis, or admiration. It appeared in English in the late 18th to early 19th century as a mild euphemism for "by God," allowing speakers to convey strong feeling without offending religious sensibilities. People used it in everyday speech, literature, and oral storytelling to emphasize astonishment, approval, or excitement. Today it is inoffensive, slightly old-fashioned, and colorful, often adding a folksy or emphatic tone to expressions of surprise or admiration.
Examples
She said, " By golly! " when the team won the game.
