Where did the expression for goodness sake come from?

Answer 1

The expression "for goodness' sake" is believed to have originated in the early 19th century, derived from older phrases that invoked the idea of goodness, often in a religious or moral context. It serves as an emphatic exclamation to express frustration, urgency, or exasperation. The phrase reflects a desire for decency or reason in a situation, appealing to a sense of virtue. Its usage has since become common in everyday language, often employed to convey a light-hearted or mildly annoyed tone.