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What's the origin of the phrase 'Heavens to Betsy'? This American phrase has been in circulation since, primarily restricted to America, the latter part of the 19th century, although its use faded throughout the 20th century and it is now something of an anachronism.
Heavens to Betsy Meaning. Definition: Oh my goodness! This is an interjection that shows surprise. Origin of Heavens to Betsy. The origins of this expression are unclear. It may have originated sometime between the years 1850 and 1914.
Jan 23, 2021 · heavens to Betsy! No one has been able to uncover the origins of this old exclamation of surprise, joy, or even annoyance. Etymologist Charles Earle Funk tried hardest, devoting several pages to the expression in his book of the same name.
Feb 22, 2022 · If you're at church or around religious people and you need another saying to replace, "oh my God," try using " heaven's to Betsy !" instead. People will appreciate your restraint at blasphemy. This post unpacks everything you need to know about the meaning and origin of this expression.
Jan 8, 2021 · The phrase Heavens to Betsy is an exclamation expressing surprise or dismay. It is an extended form of the plural noun heavens, which has long been used in exclamations—frequently with an intensifying adjective, as in good heavens and great heavens.
Oct 11, 2007 · Some people have suggested that the exclamation was inspired by the Minna Irving poem “Betsy’s Battle Flag” (about Betsy Ross) or the nickname of Davy Crockett’s rifle, Old Betsy, but language authorities have debunked these ideas.
Jan 13, 2021 · The mystery surrounding Betsy caused etymologist Charles Earle Funk, who wrote a book about curious phrases in 1955 and titled it Heavens to Betsy, to deem the expression’s origins “completely unsolvable.”
Nov 20, 1999 · Charles Earle Funk, who in 1955 used the phrase as part of the title of a book about curious phrases, said that its origins were “completely unsolvable”. We have to leave it as one of the great mysteries of etymology, along with the similar heavens to Murgatroyd.
heavens to Betsy. An expression of astonishment. This version of for heaven’s sake, which Charles E. Funk liked well enough to use as the title of one of his books, comes from nineteenth-century America and first appeared in print in 1892. It may be dying out.
Feb 29, 2024 · Of unknown origins. [1] Speculated to be a euphemism for hell's bells, but there is not sufficient evidence to support this. [2] Attested from 1857.
