May 20, 2012 · Gosh has no literal meaning. It's not supposed to. It's a Euphemism, which means it's a word that is used instead of a taboo word (in this case, as you suggest, the taboo word is God). This is word magic, and the usual magic principle that requires correct pronunciation to effect magical results applies.

Sep 21, 2016 · This "minced oath" explanation is really a comment, nevertheless, it seems to be the most likely answer as it follows Golly and Gosh. The answer would thus benefit from some independent evidence. (The use of "Guy" does not exist in Brit. Eng. as we do not seem to have the same religious sensitivities.) –

Nov 4, 2021 · To a certain kind of religious mentality, "gosh" is a euphemism for God, just as "hades" is a euphemism for Hell. euphemism - "a mild or pleasant word or phrase that is used instead of one that is unpleasant or offensive." Once a euphemism, nowadays it's just an interjection. gosh - used as a mild oath or to express surprise.

Dec 16, 2013 · A minced oath is a euphemistic expression formed by misspelling, mispronouncing, or replacing a part of a profane, blasphemous, or taboo term to reduce the original term's objectionable characteristics. Some examples include gosh instead of god, darn or dang for damn, and heck for hell.

Sep 3, 2014 · B'gosh is an abbreviated way of saying by gosh, a bowdlerization of by God. Without the context, it is difficult to say what was intended by the reference. The character might have been evoking Midwestern wholesomeness or blue collar patriotism, or might have been mocking something or someone as corny, or might simply have been making a ...

Dec 13, 2018 · There is a tendency in traditionally Christian societies (grossly speaking, the West) to leave behind words or expression which allude to such heritage or faith. A familiar example is CE and BCE instead of AD and BC. I'm interested here with the case of "Oh my Gosh", which is used instead of "Oh my God".

Oct 23, 2018 · Is there an expression like "gosh" that a stereotypical upper-class British character would say for expressing surprise? I've thought of "parbleu", but it being a loan word from French, it doesn't sound right as a stereotypical English expression. I would avoid "My Lord" because of possible moral implications with the reader.

Apr 6, 2012 · I found the phrase “Honest to gosh” in the New York Times (April 5) article titled “Send in the Clowns, and Cheese,” in which the author, Gail Collins blames the squander that the GSA (General Services Administration’s Public Buildings Service) wasted more than $820,000 for holding a 4-day gathering to open lines of communication and ...

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May 3, 2017 · In this day and age when the f-bomb is dropped so casually in everyday conversation it might be difficult to understand that at one time in history it was a blasphemy to use "Gods name in vain". However, no one hearing it (either then or now) would think it had anything to do with Jesus. It is the same as "Golly", or "Gee", or "Gosh".