Jump to content

gadzooks

From Wiktionary, the free dictionary

English

[edit]

Alternative forms

[edit]

Etymology

[edit]

Minced form of God's hooks, a reference to the nails of the crucifixion of Christ.

Pronunciation

[edit]

Interjection

[edit]

gadzooks

  1. (archaic, minced oath) An expression of surprise, shock, etc.
    • 1960, P. G. Wodehouse, Jeeves in the Offing, chapter II:
      “I should explain that among the books that recently arrived at the office was a slim volume from his pen dealing with the Preparatory School and giving it an enthusiastic build-up. The formative years which we spent there, he said, were the happiest of our life.”
      Gadzooks!”

Synonyms

[edit]

Derived terms

[edit]

Translations

[edit]