golly

interjection

gol·​ly ˈgä-lē How to pronounce golly (audio)
used as a mild oath or to express surprise
usually used in the phrase by golly

Word History

Etymology

euphemism for God

First Known Use

1775, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of golly was in 1775

Dictionary Entries Near golly

Cite this Entry

“Golly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/golly. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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