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golly

interjection

  1. expressing surprise
L23407 on Wikidata ↗

Wiktionary

Pronunciation: /ˈɡɒli/

intj

Etymology: Euphemism for God, dating from the 18th century. Possibly a compaction of “God′s body”.

  1. A mild expression of surprise or enthusiasm.

    Golly! That was a long trip to California.

    “Golly! What would dad say if I did marry him?”

noun

Etymology: Possibly from Goliath.

  1. Chewing gum.
  2. Saliva or phlegm.

    hack up a golly

    They had to have a spitting competition. They had to hack gollies at each other′s heads.[…](Abraham 1999, 53)

verb

Etymology: Possibly from Goliath.

  1. To spit; to force up phlegm from one's throat.

    When he saw what was happening he threw down his bag, gollied up some phlegm, and spat into the sand.