gee whiz = Jesus

Gee whiz
Meaning - An interjection or exclamation of surprise.
Origin - This little term derived in the USA as a euphemistic shorthand for Jesus; in other words it is a minced oath. That original meaning is largely forgotten by those who use it now, who are in any account fewer than before, as it is now sounds rather old-fashioned. The further shortening of simple gee is still widely used in the USA, although neither version was ever common elsewhere.
http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/146425.html

gee
verb \\ˈjē\\
. . .
Origin of GEE
euphemism for Jesus
First Known Use: 1884
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gee

geez (jēz)
interj.
Used to express mild surprise, delight, dissatisfaction, or annoyance.
[Shortening and alteration of Jesus.]
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/geez

Thanks for that sister. I've never used that term but it's good to know. Sometimes Christians unknowingly use God's name in vain but after they know it's wrong they are more accountable.

I was over 40 before someone finally told me.
The word below is the one I was using. :(

gosh
interjection \\ˈgäsh, ˈgȯsh\\
. . .
””used to express surprise or mild anger
Origin of GOSH
euphemism for God
First Known Use: 1757
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gosh

This is an interesting topic. Thanks for sharing. I did not know that about the word gee whiz, but I did know about Gosh.

When ever I used to get upset I used to say "good grief" but I give thanks to the Lord that those words don't come out of my mouth like they once did. I realize that the more JESUS worked on my heart and helped me over come the anger in my life the less I used words like that. I give thanks because now I am slow to anger. I find that taking captive my thoughts and considering the words I speak, since I will one day give an account for them has made me more mindful. I want what I say and the attitude of my heart to honor JESUS.

Thanks again for sharing this. Really good reminder to be considering before the LORD.

God bless
maryjane

How far we have fallen. "Oh my Word..." is a very common phrase...

whats basphemy is not a person you uses a word like that to expresse suprise with out conecting it to the name jesus ,,but a peson who says g.wiss means jesus ,has just blaspemed

no word can incapulate the name jesus in english

gee”“whiz adjective \\ˈjÄ“-ËŒhwiz, -ËŒwiz\\

: very impressive or amazing

: showing or feeling excitement and wonder

EasyBib

Full Definition of GEE-WHIZ

1

: designed to arouse wonder or excitement or to amplify the merits or significance of something especially by the use of clever or sensational language

2

: marked by spectacular or astonishing qualities or achievement

3

: characterized by wide-eyed enthusiasm, excitement, and wonder

See gee”“whiz defined for English-language learners »

First Known Use of GEE-WHIZ

1934

its strange i cant even find the part where g,wizz is used as the word jesus ,in 2 dictionarys

hi i found some more imfo in wiki about

Euphemisms for deities as well as for religious practices and artifacts have been recorded since the earliest writings. Protection of sacred names, rituals, and concepts from the uninitiated has always given rise to euphemisms, whether it be for exclusion of outsiders or the retention of power among the select. Examples from the Egyptians and every other Western religion abound.

Euphemisms for God and Jesus, such as gosh and gee, are used by many Christians to avoid taking the name of God in a vain oath, which would violate one of the Ten Commandments. (Exodus 20)

Jews consider the tetragrammaton (YHWH, the four-letter name of God as written in the Torah) to be of such great holiness that it was never to be pronounced except in the Temple (which no longer exists) by the High Priest on Yom Kippur. When praying or reading from scripture, Jews use the word Adonai ("my Lords") in place of YHWH. Traditional Jews will not pronounce Adonai in non-religious contexts, but use a euphemism such as HaShem, (literally "The Name"). The other name of God frequently used in the bible, Elohim (אלוהים) is also used only in religious contexts; otherwise, devout Jews typically change it to Elokim (אלוקים). Other names of God such as HaMakom (המקום)””"The Place"””or 'HaKadosh Baruch Hu' (הקדוש ברוך הוא) "The Holy One, Blessed is he" can be pronounced in any context.

The Biblical injunction not to misuse the name of God leads strictly observant Jews also to use written euphemisms, e.g. the word "God" is replaced by "G-d."

Euphemisms for hell, damnation, and the devil originally avoided naming the Devil, which according to folk belief, would summon him. The expression what the dickens was originally a euphemistic reference to the devil. "Hell" could be replaced with "heck".

Historically, profane expressions such as "God's Wounds!" were sometimes used, but by the time of Chaucer, this was reduced to "'swounds", and later to the also-obsolete "zounds". The same medieval notions continue in other languages; for example rany boskie (literally "God's wounds"), is a common mild curse in modern Polish

its iteresting that some use those words and to them it means jesus or god ,,,,and others iv noticed use those words like gee wizz ,,in place of an acualy sware word to train them not to use filth words

i sopose god knows the intent of the heart in both matters

but it could be debated ,that if one does use say the term g wizz ,,as a translation of the word jesus ,,that might be blasphemy ,,would you say

but to use it as just a word to epress astoundment that in you own mind has no conection to a filth word ,, rather then then a filthy word or godliy ,, seems incent and benine to me over in australia we have a word crikey to express a similar emotion of suprise,,,,and i can tell young people think that is weired ,,becasue they will blaspheme or swear instead ,,,,,i know som,e will say that when they mean christ ,,,others mean wow .,,,(IM suprised )

i think we should check what we mean when we speak judge our own hearts ,,and not be pharisses in a scence and say it must allways mean such and such whn any one uses words like that ,,,, becasue to the pure all things are pure ,,,even words like those

so lets not comdem the pure in heart in a sweeping generlisation and be found guilty of sin in our hearts

blessings

Holy mackerel (hope I didn't blaspheme) its getting crazy around here.

I said "gee whiz" (this thread is directed at me) because Dennis the Menace used to say it. At least that is where I think I picked it up. I can hear him now-- "Gee whiz Mr. Wilson!"

It is the most innocent expression imaginable. I don't care what the origin is. Believe me if I ever wanted to take the Lord's name in vain-- and I never would-- I would know what to say.

Brothers and sisters, there are much more important things to discuss than the innocuous and innocent use of an expression like "gee whiz" or "golly" or "my word."

things like how cell phones will melt your brain and how power lines will make you forget what you ate for breakfast.

lol ,,,i wasnt planing on have a big disusion just some balance dude ,, wops ahhh,,what does wops and dude mean criky im a gona coba.,,,later bra

Gary,

Look at Ephesians 4 to complement what you found regarding blaspheming using euphemisms. The issue of purity of speech and speaking the truth in love is a dimension that this extends into. You must also consider that this is connected to the thoughts and intents of the heart for which we will be judged. A euphemism replaces a term considered unclean or blasphemous but not the intention or meaning behind the word. To say gee wiz when you are angry or frustrated is effectually the same. You are murmuring against God whether directly or by looking down on His creation. Often there is implied language encapsulated in these statements. It is good practice to check what you really mean when using hyperbole and euphemisms because it will show you what your heart is really like. You can grow up a "good Christian kid" using language like this thinking you aren't swearing or taking the Lord's name in vain but when the Spirit reveals your heart to you, you learn otherwise.

EDIT: Added reference to etymology of "crikey" for brothergary's comment below.

Word Origin & History

crikey
euphemism for Christ, first recorded 1838.

crikey
1838, probably one of the many substitutions for Christ.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper

hi jeremy i allready said basicly what you just said ,,you might have missed it

copy paste
its iteresting that some use those words and to them it means jesus or god ,,,,and others iv noticed use those words like gee wizz ,,in place of an acualy sware word to train them not to use filth words

i sopose god knows the intent of the heart in both matters

but it could be debated ,that if one does use say the term g wizz ,,as a translation of the word jesus ,,that might be blasphemy ,,would you say

but to use it as just a word to epress astoundment that in you own mind has no conection to a filth word ,, rather then then a filthy word or godliy ,, seems incent and benine to me over in australia we have a word crikey to express a similar emotion of suprise,,,,and i can tell young people think that is weired ,,becasue they will blaspheme or swear instead ,,,,,i know som,e will say that when they mean christ ,,,others mean wow .,,,(IM suprised )

i think we should check what we mean when we speak judge our own hearts ,,and not be pharisses in a scence and say it must allways mean such and such whn any one uses words like that ,,,, becasue to the pure all things are pure ,,,even words like those

so lets not comdem the pure in heart in a sweeping generlisation and be found guilty of sin in our hearts

blessings

"TMK Quote:: I said "gee whiz" (this thread is directed at me) because Dennis the Menace used to say it."

the true story about why the American culture and its people came to a sudden and unexpected end.

...because Dennis the Menace used to say it - that's a good reason son, just follow him wherever he goes, how about to a comics forum - they all share your level of preferences and understanding.

Gary-

My comments were not directed to you. Sorry you thought so.

And it is funny how the sister in the cell phone topic talked about not being condemning then she posts this topic.

The pharisaism on this forum is absolutely amazing.

Lord have mercy.

And so I tell you, every kind of sin and slander can be forgiven, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Matthew 12:31

Jesus called not all blasphemy unpardonable, but only that against the Holy Spirit.

TMK..The pharisaism on this forum is absolutely amazing. Lord have mercy.

I just lets folks believe and preach what they want, when you follow God and not man, your able to take a lot of this with a grain of salt.

Well Bill believe me I won't lose sleep over it or anything... Just a shame that's all.

Ok So what is an appropriate expression to utter in surprise for. like when the bear cave is being closed down. One that will not be offensive. :)