Goodness Gracious!
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "Goodness gracious!" is an old-time exclamation of surprise, shock, or strong feeling. It’s a polite, church-friendly way to show emotion without cussin’.
#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #Southern #Exclamations #Euphemisms
Hillbilly Dude Says...
Oh 'Goodness gracious! is still used - I use it myself. Sometimes followed by 'sakes alive.' Hillbilly Dude Says...
Oh 'Goodness gracious! is still used - I use it myself. Sometimes followed by 'sakes alive.' Pronunciation
[GOOD-niss GRAY-shuss]
Meaning & Usage
- Exclamation of surprise or amazement (interjection)
Mae:
They’re moving to town next week.
They’re moving to town next week.
Earl:
Goodness gracious! I didn’t see that comin’.
Goodness gracious! I didn’t see that comin’.- Softened oath to express strong feeling (interjection)
Granny:
Goodness gracious! Look at this mess.
Goodness gracious! Look at this mess.variations: Good gracious!
★ This phrase has staying power because it’s gentle but expressive - perfect for church socials, family talk, or any setting where cussin’ is frowned upon. ★
Origin and Etymology
Likely from 18th- and 19th-century English "Goodness gracious me!" but preserved most strongly in Southern/Appalachian speech, where softened oaths became part of everyday family language.
Usage Notes
Still widely used among older Southerners and in rural speech. It carries an old-time, genteel feel and is less common among younger speakers outside the South.
Say It Like a Southerner
Said plain: "good-niss gray-shuss." Often with drawn-out syllables for emphasis.
Kin Topics
Related Pages
How to Cite This Page
- APA (7th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 10). Goodness Gracious!. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/goodness-gracious
- MLA (9th edition)"The Hillbilly Dude." "Goodness Gracious!." HillbillySlang.com, 10 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/goodness-gracious.
- Chicago (17th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. "Goodness Gracious!." HillbillySlang.com. September 10, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/goodness-gracious.
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