Golly Bum!

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "golly bum" is a mild exclamation showing surprise, frustration, or disbelief - a folksy, family-friendly way to react without swearing.

#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #Southern #Exclamations

Hillbilly Dude Says...

'Golly bum!' and 'golly!' are often heard in our household. For me, it's when I'm really surprised. The audio Play audio

is a good example.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

'Golly bum!' and 'golly!' are often heard in our household. For me, it's when I'm really surprised. The audio Play audio

is a good example.

Pronunciation

[gah-lee buhm]

Meaning & Usage

- Express Surprise or Mild Frustration (exclamation)

Mae:

Golly bum! Elmer you 'bout scared me half to death!

Elmer:

Golly bum, I locked my keys in the truck again.

variations: goll-ee bum

★ It’s safe for all audiences and works in place of stronger language. The effect depends entirely on tone - it can sound cheerful, disappointed, or astonished. ★

Origin and Etymology

Likely a euphemistic blend of "golly" and "bum" as an old-fashioned expression of frustration or emphasis. Common in rural American English, especially in the Southern Appalachians.

Usage Notes

You’ll hear "golly bum" in situations where some might use "well, shoot" or "good grief." It’s flexible - suitable for anything from finding out you won a prize to realizing you burned the biscuits.

Say It Like a Southerner

Play audio Say "golly" with a short, open "gah" and a light "lee." Follow with "bum" like "thumb" without the "th." Keep it quick and natural - tone rising for surprise, or dropping a little for frustration. It’s a polite exclamation, so you can say it anywhere from the kitchen table to the church potluck.

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Is "golly bum" considered swearing?

Not at all - it’s among the gentlest exclamations you can use.

Where is it most common?

Southern Appalachia, but also scattered in rural areas across the South.

Can it be drawn out for effect?

Yes - stretching the vowels can make it sound more dramatic.

Does it have any literal meaning?

No - it’s purely an exclamation with no direct reference to "bums."

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 8). Golly Bum!. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/golly-bum
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Golly Bum!." HillbillySlang.com, 8 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/golly-bum.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Golly Bum!." HillbillySlang.com. September 8, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/golly-bum.

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