zounds

[ zoundz ]

interjection

, Archaic.

1. (used as a mild oath.)

zounds

/ zwaʊndz; zaʊndz; zaʊndz /

interjection

1. archaic.
   a mild oath indicating surprise, indignation, etc

Word History and Origins

Origin of zounds¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; variant of 'swounds

Word History and Origins

Origin of zounds¹

C16: euphemistic shortening of God's wounds

Example Sentences

Zounds, cousin, he talks to me, as if I were a scurvy tragedian.

From Project Gutenberg

Zounds, signor, I hope you are not in a passion, but I think you look six feet high again.

From Project Gutenberg

Look at the impudent son of a gipsy—Sat himself down—Zounds!

From Project Gutenberg

Zounds, madam, if you are resolved to be a drooping little figure till you die, you might at least do it in another street.

From Project Gutenberg

You are right—it was less than nothing—but in order to put aside useless discussion and to be frank, Zounds!

From Project Gutenberg