Date:  Sun, 30 Apr 1995 08:53:09 -0400

From:  Heilan Yvette Grimes <HEP2[AT SYMBOL GOES HERE]AOL.COM>

Subject: Re: I swan



>Anyone know the origin of the Southernism "I swan?" Meaning, I think,

>"golly! goodness! I tell you!" and any other euphemism for surprise--

>                        Cathy Bodin



Actually, it's a New England expression equivalent to "I swear." Such as "I

swear I know the answer to this." "I swan I know the answer to this." I think

the southern equivalent wout be "I do declare I know the answer to this."



--Yvette