What does goodness sake mean

There was no mistaking this for the gaudiness and gilt of made-for-TV awards shows. The Dallas Cowboys sell out their state-of-the art football stadium. Sleek finds it far harder work than fortune-making; but he pursues his Will-o'-the-Wisp with untiring energy. There is a companion who condoleth with his friend for his belly's sake, and he will take up a shield against the enemy.

These Eskimos were very fond of kite-flying, for its own sake, without reference to utility! You never know when you are going to stumble upon a jewel in the most out-of-the-way corner. For God's sake write and persuade him to go to Davos at once—and picture the delights of a pretty and devoted nurse. I had a feeling there was an historical origin, with the phrase being used by religious people to beseech others, as a form of plea, if you like, but I can't find a great point of reference.

I am conscious that the expression is perhaps more often spoken than written, and that as a result it makes little difference, but since it can be written, particularly in prose to record direct speech, I think it would be worth establishing a consensus on the correct form. There is also the expression "For goodness' sakes", which I think is just idiomatic and not strictly correct - I think "sake" should be singular.

All thoughts welcomed. I vote for the apostrophe, Scottie. Loob said:. Click to expand Matching Mole said:. Examples of approved usage: goodness' sake conscience' sake convenience' sake. Last edited: May 29, Yes, there should definitely be an apostrophe as it is a possessive construction -- 'sake' always belongs to something. So I beseech you to use the apostrophe for possessive construction's sake. I will continue to do so, and I hope others will too, for my sanity's sake.

M-W English Usage has an interesting item on this. It says that some authorities, including Fowler, consider the apostrophe to be optional. However, M-W's authors state that in practice it is rarely omitted and recommend it. The adding of 's to words ending in s or z sounds is abjured by all, on the basis, it seems, that it is not pronounced with the double s sound expressed by this spelling, or that it is awkward to pronounce in this way three examples of this below.

Only unusual matchings such as "peace's sake" should take 's as these are likely to be fully enunciated. El escoces said:. Is that you being stern again, cuchu? Me, I'd vote for for goodness' sake. Are others voting for something different?

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