golly
1 synonym for golly, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Intj — A mild, old-fashioned exclamation of surprise or delight.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
How to use golly
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
golly gosh
well, golly
Sounds quaint or old-fashioned in modern speech; mostly used for comic or nostalgic effect.
Etymology
An 18th-century softened stand-in for "God," likely shortened from an oath like "God's body."
Full origin of golly →Frequently asked questions
What does “golly” mean?
The word “golly” means a mild, old-fashioned exclamation of surprise or delight. In plain terms, an old-fashioned, polite way of saying "wow" or "gosh" without swearing.
How do you pronounce “golly”?
“Golly” is pronounced GO-lee (/ˈɡɒli/ in IPA).
How do you use “golly” in a sentence?
Here is “golly” used in a sentence: “Golly, I didn't expect to see you here!”
What part of speech is “golly”?
“Golly” is an intj.
Where does the word “golly” come from?
The word “golly” dates back to around 1700. An 18th-century softened stand-in for "God," likely shortened from an oath like "God's body.".
