golly: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, dated, potentially offensive.
Quick answer
What does “golly” mean?
A mild exclamation or interjection expressing surprise, enthusiasm, or alarm.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A mild exclamation or interjection expressing surprise, enthusiasm, or alarm.
As a noun: a dated and offensive racial term, derived from 'golliwog'. As a verb (BrE informal): to spit, especially to clear the throat of phlegm.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The verb sense 'to spit' is almost exclusively British. The exclamation is slightly more common in BrE, though dated in both. The offensive noun is recognized in both, associated with a specific type of doll.
Connotations
BrE: The exclamation can sound quaint or twee; the verb is coarse but non-offensive. AmE: The exclamation primarily sounds dated; the racial connotation is more widely recognized as offensive.
Frequency
Exclamation: Rare in contemporary AmE, very rare in formal contexts. More likely in older BrE literature/media. The offensive noun is obsolete in polite discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “golly” in a Sentence
[Interjection] + [Clause][By/Good/Oh] + Golly![Verb: golly] + [up phlegm]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “golly” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He gollied up a bit of phlegm into the handkerchief.
- Don't golly on the pavement!
American English
- (Not used in AmE)
adverb
British English
- (Not used as adverb)
American English
- (Not used as adverb)
adjective
British English
- (Not used as adjective)
American English
- (Not used as adjective)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Never used, except in historical/sociolinguistic analysis.
Everyday
Extremely rare and dated; may be used ironically by older speakers.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “golly”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Using it unironically as a modern exclamation.
- Not being aware of its offensive noun form.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very mild, dated exclamation originally used as a euphemism to avoid swearing. It is not considered offensive in itself.
As a noun, 'golly' is a shortening of 'golliwog', a type of blackface doll now widely seen as a racist caricature. This usage is highly offensive and should be avoided.
The exclamation is understood but sounds very old-fashioned in American English. The verb sense 'to spit' is not used in AmE.
Words like 'wow', 'jeez', 'geez', 'gosh', or 'whoa' serve similar functions as mild exclamations of surprise in modern informal speech.
A mild exclamation or interjection expressing surprise, enthusiasm, or alarm.
Golly is usually informal, dated, potentially offensive. in register.
Golly: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡɒli/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡɑːli/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “By golly! (for emphasis)”
- “Good golly!”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a polite, old-fashioned golfer saying 'Golly!' instead of a stronger word when he misses a putt.
Conceptual Metaphor
SURPRISE/EXCITEMENT IS A SOCIAL PRESSURE VALVE (a release of emotional pressure through a dated, 'safe' word).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a correct and non-offensive use of 'golly'?