good heavens

Expression of astonishment

Good heavens is a mild exclamation of surprise, dismay, or emphasis.

It serves as a euphemistic alternative to stronger oaths invoking God or Jesus: Good heavens, I completely forgot about the meeting.

The phrase sounds somewhat old-fashioned or genteel, often used by those avoiding profanity or for light dramatic effect.

exclamation

mercy

Compassion toward offenders

gollyGentle exclamation of surprise
goshTame exclamation of surprise
my wordMild interjection of surprise

oh my · lordy · blimey · crikey · gee whiz · holy cow · holy moly · holy smokes · well I never · strewth

surprise

astonishment

Intense sudden wonder

shockViolent sudden disturbance
disbeliefRejection of truth claims
incredulityInability to accept something

bewilderment · stupefaction · flabbergasted · gobsmacked · thunderstruck · astounded · dumbfounded · taken aback · startled · speechless

old-fashioned

quaint

Attractively unfamiliar, outdated

antiquatedOld and outdated
datedOld-fashioned or courted
VictorianOf a prim era

Edwardian · genteel · prim · proper · stuffy · old-world · drawing room · parlor · refined · polite society

Categories

exclamationsoh, yes, no, wow, hey
expressions of awewow, whoa, amazing, awesome, incredible
Posh Britishold boy, old chap, old bean, old sport, pip pip
Victorian Exclamationsby Jove, bless my soul, my word, upon my word, I declare

Opposites

profanity level

good heavensholy shit

Profane expression of shock

goddamn · what the fuck · fucking hell · Jesus Christ · shit

emotional valence of reaction

good heavenswhatever

Expression of apathy

meh · so what · who cares · big deal · yawn

Family

good, heaven, goods, goodness, heavens, goodwill, goody, goodie, goodly

Familiarity: Top 50,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Everyday, not technical · Rated G