I am known to say that, a lot. Usually after hearing a student say some other choice word at school.
"You meant to say golly-gee-willikers, right?" This is usually met with a puzzled look.
"Or did you mean golly-gee-whiz?"
"Huh?"
"They are both fine choices, and very appropriate for school. And you should probably save that other word for when you really need it." By this time they've usually got the message.
My Iowa friend always says that, to save the strong words for when you need them. Don't use them up, or they'll lose their meaning. "Just keep them up on a shelf, at the ready." She then goes on to tell the story of being at school one evening with a bunch of kids, when a young man tried breaking into the building. She let those stored up words fly and scared him off!
I'm going with a couple of friends to visit her for the day. It's sure to be loads of laughs and very good company. I'll take along a little stitching for the backseat.
Also, there's a shop update planned for Sunday afternoon. (Sunshine for photos willing.)