Pronunciation: [ba͡ɪ ɡˈʌm] (IPA) 
The phrase "by gum" is a colloquialism that means "by God" or "by golly." It is pronounced with the short "i" sound, as in "bit," followed by a hard "g" sound, as in "go." The IPA phonetic transcription for "by gum" would be /baɪ ɡʌm/. The spelling of the word "gum" in this phrase is not related to the sticky substance, but rather to the expression "by gum" being a euphemistic substitution for an expletive that includes the word "God."
"By gum" is an idiomatic expression commonly used in the English language. This phrase is primarily used in northern England and Scotland and has its origins in the 19th century. It is used as an exclamation to express surprise, astonishment, or emphasis. The exact meaning of "by gum" can vary depending on the context it is used in.
The phrase "by gum" is generally understood to be a minced oath, a euphemism for "by God." It serves as a mild expletive and is used to add emphasis to a statement or to express strong emotions such as shock, awe, or disbelief. The inclusion of "gum" in the phrase does not have any particular significance but is believed to have been added to soften the impact of the more explicit term "God."
The idiomatic expression "by gum" is often used colloquially in informal conversations or storytelling, adding a touch of character or authenticity to the speaker's words. It can be used on its own as an exclamation or as a part of a longer phrase. For example, "Well, by gum, I never expected to see you here!" or "By gum, that's an amazing sight!"
Overall, "by gum" is a regional and informal expression used as a substitute for a stronger and potentially offensive phrase, conveying surprise, emphasis, or shock in a lively and colorful manner.
The phrase "by gum" is a colloquial expression primarily used in Northern England, particularly in Yorkshire and Lancashire. It is an informal exclamation of surprise, affirmation, or emphasis. The etymology of "by gum" is not entirely clear, as it does not have a definitive origin. However, there are a few theories regarding its roots:
1. Gum being a variant of God: Some suggest that "by gum" is a euphemistic alteration of the phrase "by God". It is thought that the use of "gum" instead of "God" is a way to avoid potential blasphemy and make the expression more socially acceptable.
2. Gum meaning "mouth": Another theory proposes that "gum" refers to the mouth itself, similar to the phrase "hold your tongue". In this sense, "by gum" would be an exclamation that implies holding one's mouth, expressing surprise or disbelief.
