Strewth
/struːθ/noun
An Australian and British exclamation of surprise, emphasis, or annoyance.
Did you know?Strewth is a euphemistic alteration of "God's truth," one of many historical oath-avoidance forms where speakers disguised a sacred phrase to make it safer to say aloud.
Etymological Timeline
Early Modern English
English
God's truth
“A solemn oath or affirmation meaning literally "God's truth".”
17th Century
English
's truth / strothe / strewth
“Euphemistic minced oaths used to avoid directly swearing the divine name.”
18th-19th Century
English
strewth
“An exclamatory oath or interjection expressing surprise, emphasis, or irritation.”
19th Century
Australian English
strewth
“A common colloquial exclamation, especially in Australia, retaining the force of a softened oath.”
Modern English
English
strewth
“A chiefly Australian or British interjection used to express surprise or emphasis.”