2007-12-12 02:50:31 · 7 answers · asked by landgirl60 4 in Education & Reference ➔ Trivia
No great story behind it
Just a euphemism for "by god !". First seen in early 18th century English.
2007-12-12 03:01:11 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Paul H has got it right - to avoid the blasphemous, " My God", "By Gum" came into popular use in the north of England and the Midlands about 200 years ago.
2007-12-12 15:00:08 · answer #2 · answered by captbullshot 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It was originated by some feisty old people who promised to fight something to the bitter end. When they could no longer use their fists, they promised to bite, and those that had no teeth would still bite and resist, by gum.
2007-12-12 12:35:01 · answer #3 · answered by open4one 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Wrigley's
2007-12-12 10:52:57 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
we say ee by gum up north but no idea where it originated!
2007-12-12 10:53:54 · answer #5 · answered by mauritius_dodo 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
eeee by gum
is a saying from blackpool
thats all the info i have im afraid
2007-12-12 10:55:38 · answer #6 · answered by infobod2nd 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/82225.html
2007-12-12 11:01:31 · answer #7 · answered by bumble 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋