golly

Everyday

1. (mild, old-fashioned) an exclamation of surprise, delight or shock, used instead of swearing or saying God. tree →
2. (childish or humorous) used for fun to sound innocent. tree →

In the lessons

A gentle stand-in for «God», now old-fashioned and often funny; used by grandparents, in children's books and cartoons. UK and US.

Examples

• Golly, that's a big cake! tree →
• Golly, I didn't know you could juggle. tree →
• "Good golly!" said the old professor. tree →
• Golly gosh, look at the time! tree →
• The children in the old adventure book keep saying "golly". tree →
• Golly, it's cold this morning. tree →
• "Golly, thanks!" said the little boy. tree →
• People say "golly" when they're surprised but don't want to swear. tree →

Note

Trap: it is not rude at all; it just sounds old-fashioned. Plain meaning: «wow!»