heavens to Betsy


heavens to Betsy

An interjection denoting shock, distress, or surprise. The "Betsy" mentioned here is not definitively known. Heavens to Betsy, you don't look well at all! Is that James? Heavens to Betsy, I haven't seen him in at least 20 years!See also: Betsy, heaven

Heavens to Betsy!

Inf. My goodness! (A mild oath.) Heavens to Betsy! What was that noise? Heavens to Betsy! It's good to hear your voice!See also: Heaven

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.See also: Betsy, heaven