'gadzooks' originates from a euphemistic alteration of 'God's hooks,' referring to the nails used in the crucifixion of Jesus.

'God's hooks' transformed into 'gadzooks' as a way to avoid blasphemy, eventually becoming a humorous or archaic exclamation in modern English.

Initially, it referred to the nails of the crucifixion, but over time it evolved into a general exclamation of surprise or emphasis.