Phrase guide

my goodness

intj · 1 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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  • /maɪ ˈɡʊdnəs/
  • /maɪ ˈɡʊdnɪs/

1

intj

Meaning 1

Used to express surprise, shock, or amazement.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: Canada, US

Qualifier: minced oath

Examples

  • My goodness, what a loud noise!

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Minced oath for my God.

Across languages

Translations

14 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Czech: božínku — used to express surprise, shock, or amazement
  • Dutch: mijn God — used to express surprise, shock, or amazement
  • Dutch: mijn hemel — used to express surprise, shock, or amazement
  • Dutch: mensenkinderen — used to express surprise, shock, or amazement
  • Finnish: hyvänen aika — used to express surprise, shock, or amazement
  • Finnish: herranjestas — used to express surprise, shock, or amazement
  • German: meine Güte — used to express surprise, shock, or amazement
  • German: ach du meine Güte — used to express surprise, shock, or amazement
  • Italian: mamma mia — used to express surprise, shock, or amazement
  • Polish: mój Boże — used to express surprise, shock, or amazement
  • Romanian: măiculiță — used to express surprise, shock, or amazement
  • Scottish Gaelic: mo chreach — used to express surprise, shock, or amazement
  • Slovene: svẹ́ta nebẹ́sa — used to express surprise, shock, or amazement
  • Yiddish: אוי־וויי (oy-vey) — used to express surprise, shock, or amazement