Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

for goodness' sakes

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 2.88 in modern English

Syllables: for -good-ness' sakes
IPA

25

Scrabble Score

16

Letters

3

Syllables

10

Unique Chars

Meaning

intj

Used to express frustration, exasperation, annoyance.

intj

Used for emphasis.

intj

Used to express surprise or amazement.

Example Sentences

"'For goodness' sakes, Father,' cried Emma, the bright tears in her eyes drying because her eyeballs were so hot and angry, 'for goodness' sakes, Father, the idea of acting - so - horrid."
""Didn't you talk to her, for goodness sakes? Just what have you been doing in there for the past hour?""
""Oh, for goodness sakes. At least can you tell me if she's there?""
"'For goodness sakes, Ray,' Aunty Bea exclaimed exasperated, 'haven't you noticed the state of your niece?'"
"Learn to play a reed instrument; do not borrow money; do not lend money; do not make money — [laughter] — and for goodness sakes, do not lose money."
"The most important thing that I would say to you, is as you develop those priorities, for goodness sakes, also take the time to think about the future and the burden that we are going to put on future generations by what you do today."

Etymology

A euphemistic replacement of "God" in for God's sake.

Inflected Forms

for goodness' sakes ! (canonical)

Synonyms

for God's sake for Christ's sake Jesus Christ! Christ almighty! for fuck's sake FFS for crying out loud for Pete's sake land sakes mercy me sakes alive

Questions

What does for goodness' sakes mean?: Used to express frustration, exasperation, annoyance.
Where does for goodness' sakes come from?: A euphemistic replacement of "God" in for God's sake.

How to pronounce for goodness' sakes

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “for goodness' sakes”.
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