What does golly mean?
Golly is an informal interjection used to express surprise, wonder, delight, or amazement. It often appears as a complete remark—“Golly, what a view!”—or in the oath-like expression “by golly.” In both British and American English, it serves much like “goodness,” “well I never,” or “by gosh,” although it may sound especially traditional or old-fashioned in some contexts. The expression “by golly” can suggest determination as well as surprise, giving it the flavor of a colorful substitute for a stronger oath. Golly is normally used independently and punctuated as an exclamation, rather than serving as a noun, adjective, or ordinary part of a clause. The word is generally traced to an alteration of Goliath, the biblical giant’s name, which had been used in oath-like expressions. Its distinctive, hearty character makes it especially effective in informal narration: where “goodness” may suggest mild surprise, “golly” can convey comic astonishment, admiration, or mock emphasis.
interjectionAn informal interjection expressing surprise, wonder, delight, or amazement, often used as a mild oath or emphatic reaction.
- Used to express surprise, wonder, or amazement.
- Used to express delight, admiration, or enthusiasm.
- Used in the oath-like expression “by golly” to convey emphasis, determination, or mild surprise.
"Golly, I had no idea the museum was open on Sundays."
"Golly, I had no idea the museum was open on Sundays."
"By golly, that race was closer than I expected."
“By golly” is a cousin of “by gosh”—and it brings a biblical giant to the exclamation.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does golly come from?
The interjection is generally traced to an alteration of Goliath, the name of the biblical giant. The name had been used in expletive and oath-like expressions, from which the shortened and softened form developed into a general exclamation of surprise, delight, or amazement. Its broad history is associated with biblical-name oaths, although the precise details of its earliest development are less certain.
How golly is actually used
Informal and somewhat old-fashioned; it is natural in casual speech and storytelling but uncommon in formal writing. Its tone can range from genuinely astonished to playful or mock-heroic.