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lawdy me
01
used to express surprise, astonishment, or exasperation
Informal
Old use
What is the origin of the exclamation "lawdy me" and how is it used?
Lawdy me is an exclamation used to express surprise, astonishment, or exasperation. It appeared in American English in the 19th century as a variant of "Lordy me," itself a mild euphemism for invoking the Lord without swearing. People used it in everyday speech, oral storytelling, and folk expressions—especially in Southern and African American communities—to react strongly while remaining polite. Today it is inoffensive, folksy, and somewhat old-fashioned, often adding a playful, emphatic, or dramatic tone to expressions of surprise or frustration.
Examples
She said, " Lawdy me! " after spilling the coffee.
