by jingo

== English == === Etymology === Uncertain for a long time. Main theories include: a minced oath of "by Jesus"; compare crikey, zounds, egads, etc. a corruption ultimately of "by St. Gingoulph", in reference to Saint Gangulphus of Burgundy. a borrowing from Basque Jainkoa (“god”); compare by Jove. Basque sailors ― a common famous occupation for their people, who often swore by their term for God ― travelled far through the seas for centuries, and often met Englishmen. === Interjection === by jingo Used to express determination or surprise. Synonyms: see Thesaurus:wow === References ===