Standard Lemma guide

golly

intj · noun · verb · 7 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • /ˈɡɒli/
  • Australia: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
  • rhymes with -ɒli
  • CMU ARPABET: G AA1 L IY0 Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.

1

intj

Meaning 1

A mild expression of surprise or enthusiasm.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: euphemistic

Qualifier: minced oath

Examples

  • Golly! That was a long trip to California.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

Abbreviation of golliwog:.

A type of black rag doll.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • 1985, New Society, Volumes 71-72, page 4, There are pictures of the original “gollywogg” (thus spelt) from Florence Upton′s 19th century children′s books; there are examples of anti-semitic Edwardian gollies with huge noses, and all sorts of other curiosities.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

noun

Meaning 3

Abbreviation of golliwog:.

Any dark-skinned person.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: ethnic, offensive, slur

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

noun

Meaning 4

A galosh.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: Ireland, UK

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

5

noun

Meaning 5

Chewing gum.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: Australian, slang

Qualifier: juvenile

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

6

noun

Meaning 6

Saliva or phlegm.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: Australian, slang

Qualifier: juvenile

Examples

  • hack up a golly

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

7

verb

Meaning 7

To spit; to force up phlegm from one's throat.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: Australia

Qualifier: juvenile

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Euphemism for God, dating from the 18th century. Possibly a compaction of “God′s body”.

From golliwog.

Nonstandard diminutive of galosh.

Possibly from Goliath.

Across languages

Translations

2 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Spanish: caramba — Translations
  • Spanish: cielos — Translations