Golly
intj, noun, verb, slang ·Moderate ·College level
Definitions
- 1 Abbreviation of golliwog:.; A type of black rag doll.
"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."
- 2 A galosh. Ireland, UK
- 3 Chewing gum. Australian, slang
- 4 Abbreviation of golliwog:.; Any dark-skinned person. ethnic, offensive, slur
"“Bloody gollies!” muttered David Bromhead, provoked by the assault into bitter xenophobia."
- 5 Saliva or phlegm. Australian, slang
"hack up a golly"
- 1 To spit; to force up phlegm from one's throat. Australia
"When he saw what was happening he threw down his bag, gollied up some phlegm, and spat into the sand."
- 1 A mild expression of surprise or enthusiasm. euphemistic
"Golly! That was a long trip to California."
Antonyms
All antonymsExample
More examples"By golly, look at the time, I must be on my way."
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.