Meaning

(minced oath, euphemistic) A mild expression of surprise or enthusiasm..

Definitions by Sense

1. (minced oath, euphemistic) A mild expression of surprise or enthusiasm.
2. Abbreviation of golliwog:.
3. (UK, Ireland) A galosh.
4. (Australia, juvenile) To spit; to force up phlegm from one's throat.
5. (Australian slang, juvenile) Chewing gum.
6. (Australian slang, juvenile) Saliva or phlegm.

Example Sentences

Golly! That was a long trip to California.

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

“By golly, I don′t see how you done that without seein′ it happen,” exclaimed Slim, looking very dazed and mystified.

“Got anybody else staying at the old snake pit?” “Five inmates in all.” “Five?” I resumed my tongue-clicking. “Golly! Uncle Tom must be frothing at the mouth a bit,” I said, for I knew the old buster's distaste for guests in the home. Even a single weekender is sometimes enough to make him drain the bitter cup. [...] “Bertie! Your manner is strange.” “Your manner would be strange if you'd been sitting on the floor of Wilbert Cream's sleeping apartment with a chair round your neck, and Ma Cream had come in.” “Golly! Did she?” “In person.” [...] “And after I had seethed for a bit I rose from my chair, took pen in hand and wrote Bobbie a stinker.” “Oh, gosh!” “I put my whole soul into it.” “Oh, golly!”

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

hack up a golly

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

Word Forms

• gollies
• gollying
• gollied

Synonyms for golly

Related Words

When Should You Use Golly?

Use golly when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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