oh, my stars and garters

English edit

Alternative forms edit

oh my stars and garters

Etymology edit

Attested (in the figurative sense) since 1765. For the stars, see oh my stars. The garters refer to a heraldic order (in a stellar shape) that British monarchs could bestow. Together they were used as a name for the trappings of high office or the individuals who occupied such.^[1]

Interjection edit

oh, my stars and garters

Expression of astonishment.

References edit

^ Gary Martin (1997–) “Oh, my stars and garters”, in The Phrase Finder, retrieved 26 February 2017.

[0-1] Gary Martin (1997–) “Oh, my stars and garters”, in The Phrase Finder, retrieved 26 February 2017.

[1]