goodness gracious

English

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈɡʊdnɪs ˌɡɹeɪʃəs/

• Audio (AU)

  (file)

Interjection

goodness gracious

1. (idiomatic, euphemistic, dated) Expressing great surprise.
   • 1957, Otis Blackwell, Jack Hammer, Great Balls of Fire:

     Goodness gracious, great balls of fire!

Synonyms

• See Thesaurus:wow

Translations

expression of great surprise

• Maori: kātahi rā hoki
• Swedish: milda makter, milda tider

See also

• good gracious
• goodness gracious me
• oh my goodness gracious