Land of Goshen!

In Appalachian and Southern speech, "Land of Goshen" (often spoken "Land o’ Goshen") is an exclamation of surprise or amazement. It’s a classic Biblical reference turned folksy saying.

#SouthernSayings #Appalachia #OldTimers #Southern #Exclamations #Euphemisms

synonyms: good heavens, my lands, mercy me, well I declare

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I've only seen 'Land of Goshen!' written down, so I'm gonna assume it's regional and old timers.

Hillbilly Dude Says...

I've only seen 'Land of Goshen!' written down, so I'm gonna assume it's regional and old timers.

Pronunciation

[LAND uh GOH-shun] /lænd ə ˈɡoʊʃən/

Meaning & Usage

- Exclamation of Surprise or Amazement (interjection)

Grandma:

Land of Goshen, you’ve grown a foot since I last saw you!

variations: Land o’ Goshen, Land a Goshen, Land uh Goshen

★ "Land of Goshen" references the Biblical land of Goshen (Genesis) and became a mild oath/exclamation. In everyday Southern speech it replaced stronger expletives, much like "My word!" or "Good gracious!" ★

Origin and Etymology

Drawn from the Biblical "Land of Goshen" in Egypt, which entered English as a mild expletive by the 18th century. In the South and Appalachia it survived as a common exclamation, much like "My lands" or "Mercy me."

Usage Notes

Now mostly heard among older speakers or in nostalgic/folkloric contexts, but still recognized across the South/Appalachia as a colorful old saying.

Say It Like a Southerner

Say it natural: "Land o’ Goshen!" or "Land uh Goshen!" with a warm drawl. Often said at the start of a sentence as an exclamation.

Kin Topics

Common Questions

Does "Land of Goshen" mean a place?

Originally yes - a Biblical region - but in Southern speech it’s an exclamation of surprise.

Is "Land o’ Goshen" different from "Land of Goshen"?

No - "Land o’ Goshen" is the colloquial spoken form.

Is it still used today?

Occasionally - mostly as a nostalgic or humorous exclamation, but still understood by Southerners.

How to Cite This Page

APA (7th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 23). Land of Goshen!. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/land-of-goshen
MLA (9th edition)
"The Hillbilly Dude." "Land of Goshen!." HillbillySlang.com, 23 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/land-of-goshen.
Chicago (17th edition)
The Hillbilly Dude. "Land of Goshen!." HillbillySlang.com. September 23, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/land-of-goshen.

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