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

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.

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

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."

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

Kin Words, Stories and More

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.

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