Browse phrases beginning with: [A][B][C][D][E][F][G][H][I][J][K][L][M][N][O][P][Q][R][S][T][U,V][W][X,Y,Z] By gumMeaning Exclamation of surprise. This is an example of a minced-oath, and is a euphemism for 'By God'. Origin It is known since the early 19th century, as in this example from James Kirke Paulding (a.k.a. 'Bull-Us, Hector'), 1815:
It is still in use in the north of England, although would be considered archaic elsewhere. |