googly-moogly

See also: googly moogly

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

Possibly derived from Japanese 高句麗蒙古逃げる (kokuri mokuri nigeru, “to run away in complete disarray”), in reference to the ignominious defeat of the combined Goryeo and Mongol forces in the failed invasions of Japan in the 1200s. The Japanese phrase kokuri mokuri is also encountered as mokuri kokuri, and as mukuri kokuri. In other Japanese expressions, this also refers to “something big and scary” by extension from the original meaning of the invasion forces themselves.

Usage in English dates to 1956, when the phrase was used in the lyrics to Stranded in the Jungle in a cover by The Jacks, also known as The Cadets.

Interjection

googly-moogly

  1. Expression of surprise, disbelief, delight, or fear.
    • 2005, Brian McCreight, The Legend of the Lowcountry Liar and Other Tales of a Tall Order, →ISBN Invalid ISBN:
      “Great googly-moogly!” the Vinaigrettes cry together. “We're rich,” says Olive. “It's a mighty fine find,” says Herb.
    • 1994, Brad Warner, Hardcore Zen: Punk Rock, Monster Movies and the Truth About Reality:
      Googly-moogly! What more could any human being possibly want?
    • 2003, Beth Elliott, Don't Call it Virtual:
      Great googly-moogly! M'Chunga thought. Now this was more like it!
  2. Used as a magic incantation.
    • 2006, Bart King, The Big Book of Girl Stuff, →ISBN, page 12:
      Quickly wave your hands over his hands and say a magic word, such as googly-moogly.

Usage notes

Often preceded by "great" or "good", as in "great googly-moogly" or "good googly-moogly".

Synonyms

  • (expression of surprise): For semantic relationships of this sense, see wow in the Thesaurus.
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