ёлки-палки

Russian

Etymology

Euphemistic alteration of ёб твою́ мать (job tvojú matʹ), a vulgar curse.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): [ˈjɵɫkʲɪ ˈpaɫkʲɪ]

Interjection

ёлки-па́лки • (jólki-pálki)

1. (minced oath, colloquial) fiddlesticks! (expression of mild dismay or annoyance)

   Synonyms: ёлки-мота́лки (jólki-motálki), ё-моё (jo-mojó)