Looking up your "by gum", which I had never heard before, I came across a nice web page where I was delighted to learn the hidden meaning of this and other such expressions, such as Blimey (god blind me) or Heck (hell).
Some others do an even better job at concealing their meaning, I wouldn't be surprised if even the most distinguished native English speakers here didn't know them off hand: Dagnabbit Drat For crying out loud Odds-bodkins Suffering succotash What in Sam Hill? Zounds Answers here: http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/minced-oath.html Michel 2009/1/17 Jed Rothwell <[email protected]>: > R C Macaulay wrote: > >> >> There is no substitute for getting a pitchfork in the rear to make one >> move it. Russia can now hold Europe hostage at will with a gas pipeline. I >> suggest that Europe will begin to take solar and wind electric power >> generation a step ahead. > > Good point! I had not thought of it, but Putin may be the best friend > alternative energy has. Better than Al Gore, by gum. > > - Jed > >
