oh my

Heavens to Betsy!

Oh my is an exclamation of surprise, concern, or mild shock.

It's softer than stronger expressions like oh my God, making it suitable for polite company or when the speaker wants to sound demure: Oh my, I wasn't expecting that.

The phrase can convey genuine astonishment or be used with theatrical exaggeration.

surprise

wow

Cry of amazement

golly · gracious · whoa · gasp · shock · disbelief · astonishment · amazement · startle · jolt

flirtation

suggestive

Hinting at impropriety

innuendo · seductive · saucy · cheeky · risqué · titillating · provocative · alluring · enticing · come-hither

admiration

wonder

Amazement or curiosity

  • aweReverent fear and wonder
  • marvelAstonishing thing or feeling
  • beautifulExtremely pleasing aesthetically

gorgeous · stunning · magnificent · impressive · breathtaking · spectacular · splendid · remarkable · exquisite · fabulous

excitement

thrill

Surge of intense excitement

delight · exhilaration · euphoria · buzz · anticipation · giddy · ecstatic · overjoyed · thrilled · pumped

exasperation

frustration

Displeasure from blocked efforts

vexation · aggravation · sigh · eyeroll · facepalm · groan · tedious · tiresome · unbelievable · ridiculous

dismay

concern

Troubled interest in something

trouble · unfortunate · dreadful · terrible · awful · shocking · upsetting · disturbing · troubling · regrettable

Categories
Opposites
register/intensity of exclamation

oh myholy shit

Profane expression of shock

what the fuck · goddamn · fucking hell · holy fuck · son of a bitch

emotional tone

oh mymeh

Indifference, vocalized

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

Family

oh, my

Familiarity
Top 10,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Abstract · Everyday, not technical · Rated G