Gollying

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. Expressing surprise or astonishment, often used as an exclamation indicating shock or amazement; acting in a playful or extravagant manner; a mild expletive or euphemistic interjection
2. Showing sudden wonder or disbelief typically through an interjection; behaving in a spirited or lively way; serving as a softened swear word or exclamatory phrase
3. Reacting with unexpected surprise usually vocally; conducting oneself with energetic or whimsical action; functioning as a mild oath or an expression of strong feeling

Etymology: "Gollying" is the present participle of "golly," so its story is really the story of the exclamation. "Golly" is a euphemism for "God," dating from the 18th century, and it likely arose as a way of swearing without actually taking the Lord's name in vain. One suggested source is a compaction of "God's body," though that origin is uncertain. The verb form adds the playful, extravagant sense that the interjection carries. Someone who is "gollying" is not just exclaiming but carrying on in a showy, exaggerated way, as if the mild oath has expanded into a whole performance.