   Oh My Word!In Southern and Appalachian speech, "oh my word" is a mild exclamation of surprise, shock, or dismay - a polite alternative to stronger oaths. It’s a hallmark of Southern manners and reserved speech. synonyms: oh my goodness, my stars, heavens above, gracious me Hillbilly Dude Says...  'Oh my word!' is definitely still a common one, especially out in the country. Hillbilly Dude Says... 'Oh my word!' is definitely still a common one, especially out in the country. Pronunciation[OH mah WUHRD] /oʊ maɪ wɝːd/ Meaning & Usage- Expression of surprise or mild exclamation (interjection)
Nell:
Oh my word, you look just like your daddy!
Ruby:
I get that every time I walk in a room.variations: goodness gracious, well I declare, mercy me Origin and EtymologyLikely rooted in 19th-century English euphemisms, "oh my word" became a staple in Southern and Appalachian households as a respectful stand-in for something more blasphemous. Its popularity in churchgoing and family circles helped it remain common in the South long after it faded elsewhere. Usage NotesCommon throughout the South and Appalachia, especially among older speakers and those raised to avoid taking sacred names in vain.
| ...
About Created by The Hillbilly Dude, this site is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more... |
Slang and folklore change from place to place - this is how I know it. Read the full disclaimer and terms of use →
© Hillbilly Slang | Original audio and content not for reproduction or AI training without permission. Keeping the Mountains Talking 'Til The Cows Come Home