Does Appalachian idiom include Land Goshen?

"Land Goshen" is a common phrase in Appalachian dialect, but it's not necessarily a unique Appalachian idiom. While it's frequently used in the region, it also has roots in Southern American English and even broader usage in the US.

Here's why:

* Origin: The phrase likely originated from the biblical "Land of Goshen" in the book of Genesis, referring to a fertile area in Egypt where the Israelites were allowed to settle.

* Southern Usage: The expression was commonly used in the American South to express surprise, amazement, or frustration, much like "goodness gracious" or "oh my goodness."

* Appalachian Adoption: The Appalachian region, deeply tied to Southern culture, adopted the phrase and incorporated it into their vernacular.

* Specificity: While "Land Goshen" is common in Appalachia, it's not entirely exclusive to the region. Similar expressions exist in other parts of the South and even the broader American lexicon.

Therefore, "Land Goshen" is a part of Appalachian idiom, but it also resonates within a larger cultural and linguistic context.