English

Alternative forms

• begorrah

Interjection

begorra

1. (dated, Ireland, now literary) A mild minced oath; a euphemism for “by God”.
   • 1850 June, Bill Malowney's Taste of Love and Glory, The Dublin University Magazine: A Literary and Political Journal, Volume 35: January—June 1850, page 698,

     But, begorra, whin they seen it was raly Bill Malowney himself that was in it, it was only who'd be foremost out agin, tumblin' backways, one over another, and his raverence roarin' an' cursin' them like mad for not waitin' for him.

   • 1902, University of Michigan, The Wolverine, Volume 2, Issue 12, page 18,

     Begorra, an' 'twas th' foinest sight yez niver saw to' see th' refor-rumed naughty-twos mate their dear lovin' home-definder, Carrie Nation.

   • 2009, Patti B. Pruitt, Spring Break with Paddy O'Rourke, Book II, page 28,

     Sure and begorra, 'twas the second time I lost me balance and fell into yer drink.

Usage notes

• Begorra (or begorrah) is used stereotypically to mark dialog as being Irish.

Translations

Anagrams

• bargoer