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Where does “Heavens to Betsy” come from?

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When we come to phrase like 'Mickey Finn', 'happy as Larry', where there is doubt as to the named person, a strong case can be made to suggest that the names were invented. That seems to be the case with Betsy. The etymologist Charles Earle Funk published Heavens to Betsy! and other curious sayings in 1955. read more

This brand-new episode follows Professor Good N' Well, our in-house expert on history and humor, as he attempts to unveil the true identify of the Betsy referenced in the expression "Heavens to Betsy. Professor Good N' Well not only uses the honest educated guesses of interviewees but reveals the historical context of the expression. read more

A: Word sleuths have long asked themselves the same questions about “Heavens to Betsy,” an exclamation of surprise, shock, or fear. All they’ve been able to learn is that the expression can be traced to 19th-century America. But “Betsy” herself remains stubbornly anonymous. read more

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Heavens to Betsy!: & Other Curious Sayings: Charles E ...
Source: amazon.com

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