First recorded in 1785–95; origin uncertain
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
So there is no maw gaw to shed in the Baw Waw.
From Time Magazine Archive
"Yes," said Mrs. Marchmont, quietly, but at the same time fixing an observant eye on the young lady; "I never gaw Mr. Harcourt so moved before."
From From Jest to Earnest by Roe, Edward Payson
I'll gaw long down Green Lane, then I shall meet en for sure.
From Lying Prophets by Phillpotts, Eden
"Ye munna gaw doon to t' sea be yersell," Mistress Anerley said to her daughter: "happen ye mought be one too many."
From Library of the World's Best Literature, Ancient and Modern — Volume 5 by Mabie, Hamilton Wright
The best day for 'em be the fust Sunday in May; an' come that, the mothers did use to gaw up to the chapel—dozens of 'em—wi' poor lil baabies.
From Lying Prophets by Phillpotts, Eden
Every thoughtful American knew that G.A.W., like desegregation, promised plenty of trouble in the years ahead, when it would be applied to more and more industrial situations.
From Time Magazine Archive
No matter which base year is chosen, G.A.W. would cost the companies a maximum of 8% of their yearly payroll.
From Time Magazine Archive
There, after seven weeks of sparring behind closed doors, Ford made its major counter-offer to the U.A.W.'s demands for G.A.W.
From Time Magazine Archive
Businessmen have some strong arguments against G.A.W. in the hard-goods industries.
From Time Magazine Archive
Although the auto workers presented a full list of contract improvements, by far the biggest and most costly issue was G.A.W.
From Time Magazine Archive
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
