'oops-a-daisy' originates from the English language, specifically as a playful alteration of 'up-a-daisy,' where 'up' meant 'to rise or move upwards.'

'up-a-daisy' transformed into the more playful 'oops-a-daisy' in the 20th century, eventually becoming a common expression for minor mishaps.

Initially, it meant 'to encourage a child to get up,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of expressing surprise or mild dismay.