by jiminy
Well I'll be
By jiminy is a mild oath expressing surprise, emphasis, or determination: By jiminy, I think he's right!
The phrase is old-fashioned and folksy, a euphemism that substitutes "jiminy" for "Jesus" or "Gemini" (itself a Jesus substitute).
It survives mainly in nostalgic or deliberately quaint speech.
- goshTame exclamation of surprise
- by GeorgeQuaint surprise interjection
- gollyGentle exclamation of surprise
- wowCry of amazement
- good graciousGentle interjection of astonishment
forsooth · by Jove · oh my stars · zounds · whoa · gadzooks · Gemini · prithee · gramercy · gee · egad · upon my word · crikey · holy cow · good heavens · land sakes · by thunder · jeepers
profanity/blasphemy intensity
by jiminygoddamn
Profane intensifier expressing frustration
Jesus Christ · by God · holy shit · Jesus H. Christ · damn it