golly
/ˈɡɒli/
Word Rarity
Rare
Frequency: 2.71 in modern English
9
Scrabble Score
5
Letters
2
Syllables
4
Unique Chars
Meaning
intj
A mild expression of surprise or enthusiasm.
noun
Abbreviation of golliwog:.
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!”"
- "1985, New Society, Volumes 71-72, page 4, There are pictures of the original “gollywogg” (thus spelt) from Florence Upton′s 19th century children′s books; there are examples of anti-semitic Edwardian gollies with huge noses, and all sorts of other curiosities."
- "The Golliwog Squad was also making itself busy in Worthing, Sussex. Police said they were treating as a matter of ‘priority’ a complaint about gollies being displayed in a local store. Owner John Scadgell faced charges under Section 2 of the Public Order Act, which makes it an offence to exhibit anything which could be considered threatening, abusive or insulting."
Etymology
Usage
- Offensive
- British usage
- Australian usage
- Slang