/ˈɡɒli/
OriginEuphemism for God, dating from the 18th century. Possibly a compaction of “God′s body”.
- euphemisticA mild expression of surprise or enthusiasm.
“Golly! That was a long trip to California.”
““Golly! What would dad say if I did marry him?””
““By golly, I don′t see how you done that without seein′ it happen,” exclaimed Slim, looking very dazed and mystified.”
- 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 ”
“The Golliwog Squad was also making itself busy in Worthing, Sussex. Police said they were treating as a matter of ‘priority’ a complaint about gollies being displayed in a local store. Owner John Scad”
- Ireland, UKA galosh.
- Australian, slangChewing gum.
- Australian, slangSaliva or phlegm.
“hack up a golly”
“They had to have a spitting competition. They had to hack gollies at each other′s heads.[…](Abraham 1999, 53)”
- AustraliaTo spit; to force up phlegm from one's throat.
“When he saw what was happening he threw down his bag, gollied up some phlegm, and spat into the sand.”
Formsgollies(alternative) · gollies(plural) · gollies(present, singular, third-person) · gollying(participle, present) · gollied(participle, past) · gollied(past)