gosh

gosh — exclamation

1. a mild exclamation used when you are surprised, slightly shocked, or feel someth

1.exclamationA2
Definition

a mild exclamation used when you are surprised, slightly shocked, or feel something strongly — for example, upon hearing unexpected news or seeing something impressive

Example

"Gosh, I didn't know the concert started at six!" said Leila, checking her ticket.

exclamation of surprise at new information

"Gosh, this suitcase weighs a ton!" cried Ravi, struggling to lift it onto the scale.

exclamation of strong feeling (effort)

Synonyms
  • wow

    stronger and more enthusiastic — used for admiration or amazement

  • goodness

    more polite and slightly old-fashioned — suitable in mixed company

  • golly

    British English variant, similar tone but less common today

  • oh my

    covers a wider emotional range from surprise to worry

Usage Note

"Gosh" is a polite, mild alternative to "God!" (which some people may find offensive). It is very common in spoken everyday English but should not be used in formal or academic writing.

Common Mistakes

Gosh, I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with your service.
I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with your service.
"Gosh" is too informal for formal letters and business emails.

Synonym discussion

Sense: exclamation/1

Gosh, wow, goodness, golly, and oh my are all exclamations expressing surprise. 'Wow' is the most common and expresses admiration or amazement ('Wow, that's incredible!') — it is stronger and more enthusiastic than 'gosh'. 'Goodness' (or 'oh my goodness') is a polite, slightly old-fashioned exclamation suitable in more formal settings. 'Golly' is a British English variant similar in tone to 'gosh' but less common today. 'Oh my' (often extended to 'oh my God' or 'oh my gosh') covers a wider emotional range from surprise to worry. 'Gosh' sits in the middle — milder than 'wow', less formal than 'goodness', and neutral across British and American English. Use 'gosh' for everyday mild surprise without strong emotional weight.

wow ↗goodness ↗gollyoh my

Etymology

English

'Gosh' originated in the mid-1700s as a euphemistic alteration of 'God', used to avoid what was considered blasphemy — uttering 'God' as an exclamation. It belongs to a family of similar minced oaths like 'golly' (from 'God') and 'gee' (from 'Jesus').