A meaningless interjection.
1846. “Law sakes alive!” was the reply, “I ain’t no how. I’m clear tuckered out with these young ’uns.”—Mrs. Kirkland, ‘Western Clearings,’ p. 78. (N.E.D.)
1853. The old women lifted their hands and exclaimed, ‘My sakes alive!’—Knick. Mag., xli. 273 (March).
