As an exclamation of surprise or astonishment (sometimes mixed with indignation). Usually followed by a question.

Reduplicated. Expressing surprise, anticipation, resignation, or acquiescence. well, well. Also well, well, well.

Exclamation of surprise, fear, remonstrance.

Expressing surprise, excitement, or a similar emotion; = oh, int. ou aye: ‘yes indeed’, ‘oh yes’ (in concessive sense).

= Ah! O! (Now the common northern exclamation of surprise, invocation, earnestness.)

Expressing surprise, emphasis, dismay, etc. Cf. law, int., Lawd, int., Lor, int., lud, int.

Expressing triumph, satisfaction, realization, discovery, or (now rarely) mockery or irony. Cf. ah, int. 3 4 ha, int. 1b.

= hillo, int.

What! I say! Come, come!

Chiefly Scottish. An exclamation, variously expressing aversion, surprise or admiration, sorrow or commiseration, or mere asseveration.

As an expression of surprise (sometimes only momentary or slight; sometimes involving protest), either in reply to a remark or question, or on…

An exclamation denoting frolicsomeness, gaiety, surprise, wonder, etc.

Expressing pleasure, surprise, wonder, or admiration.

In various exclamatory uses, without definite syntactical relation to the context. In interjectional phrases, as ah me! (see ah, int. 2a 4), ay me!…

In various exclamatory uses, without definite syntactical relation to the context. In interjectional phrases, as ah me! (see ah, int. 2a 4), ay me!…

In various exclamatory uses, without definite syntactical relation to the context. In interjectional phrases, as ah me! (see ah, int. 2a 4), ay me!…

In exclamations and imprecations, apparently as a euphemism for devil. In various exclamations expressing surprise, annoyance, impatience, or…

used as an exclamation or oath (cf. sense A. 1b).

Expressing surprise, dismay, etc. Also in Lord-a-mercy and other contracted forms (cf. God-a-mercy, int. 1a).

Chiefly in plural. In exclamations expressing surprise, horror, excitement, etc. Frequently with intensifying adjective, as good heavens, gracious he…

Well! Why! Also = waugh, int.

An obsolete ejaculation of surprise.

ay me! = Alas! Ah me!—an ejaculation of regret, sorrow, pity.

my stars! and variants. Now archaic.

With contraction of save (cf. save, v. phrases 2c), as †Gods me, †Gods my bones, Gods my life, etc. Cf. God sa' me at sa', v. Now archaic.

Expressing surprise, emphasis, dismay, etc.; (in early use) expressing emphatic confirmation of a statement. Sometimes with I, me, you, etc. (cf. l…

Used as an exclamation or oath expressing surprise or affirmation.

intransitive. imperative. In form gout. Expressing dismissal, impatience, derision, incredulity, or surprise. Cf. to go on 3b at phrasal verbs 1. Obs…

for mercy! Obsolete. rare.

good stars! and variants. Cf. good heavens at heaven, n. phrases 3b. Obsolete.

mercy on us (also me, etc.)!

? Used as an exclamation of surprise or sudden feeling; = ‘mercy on us!’

In exclamations expressing entreaty or remonstrance, as †for goodness, for goodness' sake, in the name of goodness, etc. Cf. pity, n. 2c.

colloquial. what next?: ‘what is next?’ ‘what can be next?’ Also whatever next?

‘My God!’ Cf. god, n. int.phrases 1e.

An exclamation of surprise; hollo! (Cf. hewgh, int., whew, int.)

Expressing surprise. Also by criminy! Cf. crikey, int.; Gemini, n. 4.

Expressing surprise, emphasis, dismay, etc.; = lord, int.

(oh) the dickens!: used as an interjection expressing surprise, irritation, exasperation, etc. Now archaic and rare.

(God,etc.) bless my heart (see bless, v.1 9): used as an exclamation to express surprise, alarm, etc.

alack the day: used to express grief, concern, or regret at the events of a particular day; (later more generally) used to express surprise or dismay…

(for) mercy's sake!. Also in variants (chiefly U.S. regional), as mercy sakes, a mercy's name, etc.

Expressing surprise or admiration. Also oh, my!

As an expression of incredulous surprise; also, as an emphatic negative, as in (the) deuce a bit!, etc. (Cf. plague, n., sorrow, n., the devil a bit…

In various exclamatory phrases expressing surprise, dismay, remonstration, or entreaty, often as a euphemism for God (cf. god, n. int.phrases…

goodly and gracious: used as an exclamatory phrase expressing pleasant surprise. Cf. goodness gracious at goodness, n. phrases 1b, gracious, adj. adv.…

my word (esp. as an exclamation) = upon my word at phrases 1g(b)(ii).

my stars and garters! and variants. Cf. sense 10b and garter, n. 2.

= Lord! Also lawk-a-daisy (me) and as n. = lackadaisy, int. lawk-a-mercy (-mussy) = Lord have mercy!; also as v. = to cry ‘Lawk-a-mercy!’, and as…

= lord, n. int., used in certain exclamations.

Lord bless me (also you, us, etc.): expressing surprise, reproach, etc.

great guns!: used as an exclamation expressing surprise or disbelief.

Frequently in representations of German speech: = my God at god, n. int.phrases 1e(a).

Dear!, Oh dear!, Dear, dear!, Dear me!: exclamations expressing surprise, astonishment, anxiety, distress, regret, sympathy, or other emotion. dear…

trans. In colloq. use often in the imperative as an exclamation of suprise. Also absol.

well, I'm sure!: used as an exclamation of surprise. Now rare.

In various exclamations (chiefly as int.): ‘mercy!’ (expressing surprise, disapproval, etc.). See mercy, int.

Dear!, Oh dear!, Dear, dear!, Dear me!: exclamations expressing surprise, astonishment, anxiety, distress, regret, sympathy, or other emotion. dear…

intransitive. In imperative. colloquial. Used as an exclamation expressing impatience or incredulity; = to get away 1b(b) at phrasal verbs 1.

Expressing surprise, emphasis, dismay, etc.; = lord, int.

Expressing surprise, astonishment, or approval. Also as n.

Expressing surprise. Also by crikey. Cf. gosh, n.

An exclamation indicating dismay, emphasis, or surprise.

Originally and chiefly Irish English. Expressing distress, horror, surprise, etc. Cf. pillaloo, int.

= crikey, int.

an exclamation of surprise or strong emotion.

As an interjection, expressing (according to the intonation) irony, contempt, amazement, incredulity, or the like.

intransitive. imperative. Expressing (playful) impatience or dismissiveness, or (mock) disbelief, derision, etc.: ‘get away’. Also in go on with you…

In plural as an exclamation, esp. great snakes!

Used as an exclamation, usually of surprise.

An exclamation of astonishment, exasperation, etc.; a mild oath.

colloquial (now chiefly British). oh my days: used as an exclamation expressing surprise, disbelief, excitement, etc. Also (and earliest) my days.

An act of tearing, in senses 8 and 9 of the verb. Here may belong the Irish interjectional phr. tear and ages (? aches), tear and wounds…

U.S. regional (chiefly New England). Used to intensify an interrogative word or phrase, as what (why,etc.) in time?: what (etc.) in the world?, what…

sakes alive! and simply sakes!: an exclamation expressing surprise. dialect and U.S.

Expressing any of a number of feelings or emotions, esp. surprise, enthusiasm, or exasperation. Also used for emphasis. Cf. gee, int.2 Now dated…

In imperative. Also in get away with you (now rare). colloquial (chiefly British). As an expression of astonishment or incredulity: ‘go on’, you…

As a sentence adverbial: (in affirmative use) for a certainty; certainly, undoubtedly, of course; (in concessive use) it must be admitted, indeed…

Expressing any of a number of feelings or emotions, esp. surprise, enthusiasm, or exasperation. Also used for emphasis. Also (esp. in earlier use)…

Expressing surprise, amazement, annoyance, admiration, etc.

Used trivially. used with a following word as an oath or expletive, as holy cow! int., holy Moses! int., holy smoke! int., holy mackerel! int.

As an expression of surprise, impatience, etc.: ‘damn!’, ‘damn it’.

Expressing surprise, emphasis, dismay, etc.; = lord, int.

Phrases. dash my wig(s) (colloquial), a mild imprecation (see dash, v. 11). my wig(s)! (colloquial) a meaningless expression of surprise, etc. wigs o…

Expressing any of a number of feelings or emotions, esp. surprise, enthusiasm, or excitement. Also used for emphasis. Cf. gee, int.2 Now somewhat…

= criminy, int. Cf. cripes, int.

colloquial. An exclamation expressing surprise, astonishment, or fright; = yikes, int.

Used as a mild expletive, expressing surprise, dismay, exasperation, etc. Cf. Christ, int.

An exclamation of delight or surprise.

= hullo, int.

my hat!: used as an exclamation expressing surprise or disbelief.

to come to grief: to meet with disaster; (Sport) to have a fall; to fail, prove abortive; so to bring to grief. Chiefly colloquial; somewhat rare in…

Colloquially used in jocular forms of imprecation, as strike me blind, dumb, lucky (if, but—), and various nonce-phrases. strike me pink! (slang): an…

An expression of surprise, dismay, titillation, etc.

colloquial (originally U.S.). what do you know?: used to express surprise (also what do you know about that?); also used parenthetically (cf. do you…

In the exclamation (by) cripes!: = Christ, n. int.phrases 1d.

An exclamation expressing surprise or incredulity. slang.

An exclamation of astonishment (generally, or as a reaction to a sudden or surprising act), and frequently of admiration.

North American. To match or equal (an existing record or score); colloquial phrases can you tie that?, tie that!, expressions of surprise or…

= hot diggety dog, int.

An exclamation of shock or pain.

int. Usually preceded by hot and followed by dog or another monosyllable: = hot diggety, int.

Colloquial phrase stone (or stiffen) the crows: an exclamation of surprise or disgust. Esp. Australian.

A call used to hail a person or to excite his attention. Also used in response to a telephone call and (frequently repeated) to express surprise. Cf…

An expression of surprise.

= wham, n.2 2; an exclamation suggesting a sudden violent blow or surprising event, etc.

Expressing surprise, commiseration, indignation, etc.

how about that?: Isn't that good, pleasing, surprising, etc.? colloquial (originally U.S.).

A shout or exclamation to call attention, or expressing some degree of surprise (e.g. on meeting some one unexpectedly). Cf. halloo, v. Frequently…

Expressing surprise, excitement, appreciation, disbelief, etc., or used to give emphasis to a following statement. Frequently in oh brother!

North American. To match or equal (an existing record or score); colloquial phrases can you tie that?, tie that!, expressions of surprise or…

The feeling or emotion excited by something unexpected, or for which one is unprepared. As int.: surprise, surprise: an exclamation indicating…

An exclamation of astonishment.

Expressing disbelief of or surprise at what has just been said. Also used ironically.

intransitive. In imperative. As an expression of disbelief or scornful rejection of an assertion. Cf. to get away 1b(b) at get, v. phrasal verbs 1, t…

An exclamation of joy, exhilaration, astonishment, etc. Occasionally as n., a high-pitched sound resembling this.

‘Have mercy!’, ‘May God have mercy!’ (sometimes with qualification, as God's mercy!, etc., and in weakened use expressing surprise, fear, etc.).

An exclamation of fear, alarm, or dismay (also occasionally of excitement or surprise).