Ah, to be sure to be sure, begorrah?

Question

What is 'begorrah'?

Answer 1

It has to do with god - and no one talks that way anymore, so not to worry- it won't come up in conversation. I had to look it up just now.

By the way - that hasn't been used in an American film since the 50's, long before we were all born... give it a rest already with the Orish. Just like no one in the US uses 50's slang like daddy-o anymore. Let it go.

Edit - Lucky charms is a sugary kids cereal, and they don' t use begorrah in the advertising. No one does, why would kids know what it was?

Anyone who uses this word is likely making fun of you in a lighthearted way, much as many pick on Americans for things that have nothing to do with the way they actually live their lives. Americans did not "invent" this word, why would they? To what purpose? It's origins are Irish:

be·gor·ra

Pronunciation:

\bi-ˈgȯr-ə, -ˈgär-\

Function: interjection

Etymology: euphemism for by God

Date:1715

Irish —used as a mild usually jocular oath

Answer 2

"by God" not that I have ever heard anyone use it

Answer 3

I never heard of begorrah until I went to the US in 2005, so I reckon its an american thing. I also never knew the ceral Lucky Charms existed (I ate them and they are horrible!). I don't think it has anything to do with god because thats 'Dia'. It could be made up to emphise shock or something, sounds like that i.e. when you get a fright you might say begorrah! After all 'gáir' means to shout out.

Answer 4

Who the h**l says that?

Answer 5

Did anybody ever use that phrase?  I've always associated with stage Oirish in American films

Answer 6

Never in all my years of being born and bred in this country have I ever heard anyone say that and I didn't even know the meaning of it until I read the responses to this question. =]

Answer 7

It is an alteration of 'By God.' I know people seem to associate it with Ireland, but honestly, I'd say it's about a hundred years since anyone in Ireland actually used that phrase. Just like "Top o' the mornin' " and "to be sure, to be sure."

Answer 8

By God...

Answer 9

You mean you know what "to be sure to be sure" means?  I certainly don't!