An archaic exclamation expressing surprise, shock, or strong emotion, common in historical fiction and old literature.
A minced oath from 'God's hooks' (referring to God's nails on the cross), a euphemistic way to swear in the 16th-17th centuries.
When you see 'gadzooks!' in a book, you're reading centuries of people trying not to offend God—it's linguistic self-censorship turned into comedy.
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