swan!

Dictionary of American Words And Phrases by John Russell Bartlett.

A euphemistic pronunciation of the word swear; as, I swan! Used chiefly in New England.


"Well I swan!" exclaimed the mamma, givin' a round box on the ear to a dirty little urchin, "what made you let the little huzzy have your specs?"--Mrs. Clavers's Forest Life, Vol. I. p. 29.

I took a turn round Halifax, and I swan if it aint the thunderinest, drearyest place I ever seen, and the people they call blue-noses.--Hiram Bigelow's Lett. in Family Companion.

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