egad

[ ih-gad, ee-gad ]

interjection

1. (used as an expletive or mild oath):

   Egad, I never thought of that!

egad

/ ɪˈɡæd; iːˈɡæd /

interjection

1. archaic.
   a mild oath or expression of surprise

Word History and Origins

Origin of egad¹

First recorded in 1665–75; euphemistic alteration of oh God!

Word History and Origins

Origin of egad¹

C17: probably variant of Ah God!

Example Sentences

She’s just as comfortable with language that dates from the ’50s, peppering her speech with words like “gadzooks” and “egad.”

From New York Times

Just for the finger-licking alone, though, egad, I want to say I’d decline to go to their house whenever conceivably possible.

From Washington Post

Try the shoulder seasons or … egad, even winter!

From Seattle Times

“Egad, looks like another serious war wound! Better sit here by me, little warrior. Feed it well, that’s the ticket.”

From Literature

The New York Times recently landed a major scoop with a story that detailed how French fries are—egad!—not very healthy for you.

From Slate

Related Words

• cry
• exclamation
• expletive
• insertion
• interpolation
• interposition
• shout