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By gum

Meaning

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:

"By gum, that's jist what I want you to tell me, I swow."

It is still in use in the north of England, although would be considered archaic elsewhere.

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The meaning and origin of the expression: By gum

By gum

Meaning

Origin