Gadzooks

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ɡædˈzuːks/

Origin

Contraction of God’s hooks, a reference to the nails of the crucifixion of Christ.

Full definition of gadzooks

Interjection

1. (archaic) An expression of surprise, shock etc.
• 1960, P. G. Wodehouse, Jeeves in the Offing, “I should explain that among the books that recently arrived at the office was a slim volume from his pen dealing with the Preparatory School and giving it an enthusiastic build-up. The formative years which we spent there, he said, were the happiest of our life.”
  “Gadzooks!”

Synonyms

• blimey, cor, crikey, goodness me, goodness gracious, gosh, holy cow