gadzooks

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

Contraction of God’s hooks, a reference to the nails of the crucifixion of Christ.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ɡædˈzuːks/

Interjection

gadzooks

  1. (archaic) 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

Translations

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