Odds bodkins

This strange expression is usually used as an exclamation and is a euphemism or minced oath for God’s body, dating from the early 18th century. A bodkin is a sharp-pointed tool for piercing holes in leather or a long, sharp pin for tying up women’s hair. In this expression, it is merely used as an acceptable substitute for the word ‘body’. God’s body was a popular exclamation in earlier times and Shakespeare makes good use of it in his plays.