Bored of saying “Oh my God?” Here are some old-time historical exclamations, or “minced oaths,” as they’re sometimes called, to spice up your daily speech:
1. “By Jove!”
16th-20th century
Like saying “My God!”
2. “I’ll be hanged!”
19th Century
Like saying ‘I’ll be darned!’ OR “I wouldn’t dare’
3. “Heaven’s to Betsy!”
19th century
Shock or surprise. The same as saying ‘Oh my goodness!’ It’s still unknown who ‘Betsy’ is.
4. “Well, I’ll be switched!”
19th century
Expression of amazement, wonder, or befuddlement.
5. “My giddy aunt!”
Early 20th century
Expressing astonishment, like “my God!”
6. “As I live and breathe!”
17th century
Expressing surprise at encountering someone or something.
7. “Ye gods!”
17th century
Expresses surprise or incredulity, like “Oh my God!”
8. “Fiddlesticks!”
14th century
Expresses disagreement or anger
9. “What ho!”
Early 20th century
A greeting like “Hello!”
10. “Dash it!”
English, unknown origin
The same as “darn it!”
11. “What in the Sam Hill!”
19th century
Or “How in the Sam Hill!” Or basically anytime you’d use “hell”.
12. “Great Caesar’s ghost!”
19th century
The same as saying “Holy cow!”
13. “Zounds!”
16th century
Shortened from “God’s wounds”. An expression of surprise.
14. “Alack!”
15th century
Expression of surprise
15. “Odds bodkins!”
15th century
Another Expression of surprise
16. “Gadzooks!”
17th century
Shortened from “God’s hooks”. An expression of surprise.
If you find these old-time historical exclamations interesting, then you may also want to check out some of Mark Twain’s sickest burns!