   Land of Goshen!In Appalachian and Southern speech, "Land of Goshen" (often spoken "Land o’ Goshen") is an exclamation of surprise or amazement. It’s a classic Biblical reference turned folksy saying. #SouthernSayings #Appalachia #OldTimers #Southern #Exclamations #Euphemisms synonyms: good heavens, my lands, mercy me, well I declare Hillbilly Dude Says...  I've only seen 'Land of Goshen!' written down, so I'm gonna assume it's regional and old timers. Hillbilly Dude Says... I've only seen 'Land of Goshen!' written down, so I'm gonna assume it's regional and old timers. Pronunciation[LAND uh GOH-shun] /lænd ə ˈɡoʊʃən/ Meaning & Usage- Exclamation of Surprise or Amazement (interjection)
Grandma:
Land of Goshen, you’ve grown a foot since I last saw you!variations: Land o’ Goshen, Land a Goshen, Land uh Goshen ★ "Land of Goshen" references the Biblical land of Goshen (Genesis) and became a mild oath/exclamation. In everyday Southern speech it replaced stronger expletives, much like "My word!" or "Good gracious!" ★ Origin and EtymologyDrawn from the Biblical "Land of Goshen" in Egypt, which entered English as a mild expletive by the 18th century. In the South and Appalachia it survived as a common exclamation, much like "My lands" or "Mercy me." Usage NotesNow mostly heard among older speakers or in nostalgic/folkloric contexts, but still recognized across the South/Appalachia as a colorful old saying. Say It Like a SouthernerSay it natural: "Land o’ Goshen!" or "Land uh Goshen!" with a warm drawl. Often said at the start of a sentence as an exclamation. | ...
About Created by The Hillbilly Dude, this site is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more... |