Definitions

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • interjection UK, Australia, New Zealand A mild oath expressing surprise or generally adding emphasis.

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

Corruption of God′s truth. Compare zounds, blimey.

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Examples

  • While most Aussie blokes passing through the US think a liberal smattering of “crikey”, “strewth” and “onya” is a short cut to getting a leg over a flighty divorcee, or becoming the most popular guy in a bar full of strangers, most Americans are familiar enough with Australians to wonder why it is we feel compelled to play up our bumpkinish image in the company of foreigners.

    Cheeseburger Gothic » JB’s travel tips. 2009

  • “Gawd-strewth, Baker, are you sure this is just practice?” someone said.

    Presumption of Death Sayers, Dorothy L. 2002

  • Two masts, ketch rig with tops'ls, three goddamn jibs - strewth, I know what I make of that!

    The Gates of Noon Rohan, Michael Scott, 1951- 1992

  • "And if yer wants a bit of bread yer awsks for pain, strewth!"

    "Contemptible", by "Casualty"

  • The way this fat nurse pets me, strewth, it's well to be so sick,

    'Hello, Soldier!' Khaki Verse Edward Dyson 1898

  • Madame Swetchine enjoyed friendships of extraordinary strewth and preciousness with the Countess de Nesselrode, the Princess Galitzin,

    The Friendships of Women William Rounseville Alger 1863

  • At one stage Logue, the voice coach, reminds the future king that he is about to reign over Australia, and I thought, strewth - it's still true.

    Telegraph.co.uk - Telegraph online, Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph 2011

  • But cobber, strewth and sheila are outdated cringe.

    NEWS.com.au | Top Stories 2011

  • At one stage Logue, the voice coach, reminds the future king that he is about to reign over Australia, and I thought, strewth - it's still true.

    Telegraph.co.uk - Telegraph online, Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph 2011

  • I always seemed to get lumbered with the LMG/GPMG or even worse the 84mm no wonder my knees are f**cked LOL strewth leave of mate, after all we only poof bandsman not ruff, tuffy riflemen.

    Army Rumour Service 2010

Comments

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  • Alternative spelling struth. Think it might be short for God's truth. It's an exclamation of incredulity.

    December 11, 2006

  • Strewth Ruth, tell us the truth! What've ya put in this overproof??

    April 3, 2008