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great caesar's ghost
01
used to express shock, surprise, or amazement, often theatrical
Euphemistic
Informal
Old use
What is the origin of the exclamation "Great Caesar's ghost" and how is it used?
Great Caesar's ghost is an exclamation used to express shock, surprise, or amazement. It appeared in American English in the early 20th century, popularized by comic books and pulp fiction as a dramatic and theatrical way to react to astonishing events. The phrase invokes the historical figure Julius Caesar in a colorful, exaggerated manner without offending anyone. Today it is inoffensive, old-fashioned, and highly theatrical, often used humorously or nostalgically to add flair to expressions of surprise or amazement.
Examples
Great Caesar's ghost! That building is huge.
