gadzooks
/ɡædˈzuːks/
INTERJECTION
1. Expressing surprise or shock
An old-fashioned exclamation used to express sudden surprise, astonishment, disbelief, or shock in response to something unexpected.
1.1. Surprise and astonishment
Used as an emphatic exclamation when reacting to something unexpected, remarkable, or astonishing.
Synonyms
- wow
- egad
- egads
- golly
- gosh
- good heavens
- good gracious
- goodness gracious
- gee whiz
- holy moly
- holy mackerel
- zounds
- blimey
- jeepers
- my word
Examples
- Gadzooks! I never expected to see you here!
- Gadzooks, what an extraordinary discovery!
- Gadzooks! That was the most incredible performance I have ever witnessed.
Related Words
- amazement
- astonishment
- surprise
- disbelief
- wonder
- shock
- exclamation
1.2. Shock and disbelief
Used to express a strong reaction of disbelief or alarm when confronted with surprising, unexpected, or difficult-to-believe information.
Synonyms
Examples
- Gadzooks! I cannot believe the entire building was sold overnight.
- Gadzooks, what happened to the old neighborhood?
- Gadzooks! That is an astonishing amount of money to spend on a single painting.
Related Words
- incredulity
- disbelief
- bewilderment
- consternation
- astonishment
- alarm
- amazement
1.3. Annoyance and frustration
Used as an old-fashioned or theatrical exclamation to convey irritation, dismay, or mild frustration in response to an unpleasant or troublesome situation.
Synonyms
- drat
- blast
- darn
- confound it
- fiddlesticks
- phooey
- good grief
- egad
- gosh
Examples
- Gadzooks! I have forgotten my keys again.
- Gadzooks, this troublesome machine refuses to work!
Related Words
- irritation
- frustration
- annoyance
- displeasure
- exasperation
- disappointment