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Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1
stranger
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OP
stranger
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1 |
I would like to know the origins and meaning of "Heavens to Betsy".
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Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,819
Pooh-Bah
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Pooh-Bah
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,819 |
One suspects a bowdlerized version on "hell's bells."
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Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 6,511
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 6,511 |
I'd also like to know.
~Betsy
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,475
veteran
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veteran
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,475 |
There is a fine book called Heavens to Betsy: and Other Curious Sayings by Charles Earle Funk, editor-in-chief of Funk & Wagnell's Standard Dictionary Series. (He also wrote three other volumes: A Hog on Ice, Thereby Hangs a Tale, and Horsefeathers.) Funk write for just under two pages in his introduction to his book about the origin and ultimate meaning of heavens to Betsy, "however, despite exhaustive research, I am reluctantly forced to resort to the familiar lexicographical locution, 'Source unknown'." His books are still in print or can usually be found, as a set, in used book stores. They date from the late 40s to early 50s.
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Joined: Jan 2004
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veteran
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veteran
Joined: Jan 2004
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 3,467
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 3,467 |
The last sentence in the paragraph on your URL was:
Unless someone reading this knows different?
How many among you would write:
Unless someone reading this knows differently?
I would use the latter both in writing and in speaking, though I think it more important to write it correctly.
TEd
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 89
journeyman
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journeyman
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 89 |
Sorry, Oliveroma, I don't know the origin of the expression either, but your question inspired me to write a toast for Faldage to use when his friends gather to celebrate the anniversary of Annastrophic's birthday ... Faldage: (raising glass,) To Heaven with Betsy
(pause) To Hell with Bush.
This toast will likely be apt for the next four years 
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Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 2,788
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 2,788 |
The Canon to the Ordinary of the (Episcopal) Diocese of Olympia (Western Washington) is named Betsy. The former (now retired) bishop thought it immensely entertaining to occasionally exclaim "Heavens to Betsy" within her hearing. It was probably funny the first time.
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,475
veteran
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veteran
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,475 |
I would use the latter both in writing and in speaking, though I think it more important to write it correctly.
Why don't you send Mr Quinion an email informing him of his solecism. I'd like to see what his reply would be.
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,230
Carpal Tunnel
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Carpal Tunnel
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 3,230 |
> I'd like to see what his reply would be.
Assuming he provides one. Unless it's just that I have gift for inducing unresponsiveness from wordsmiths.
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