Jesus H. Christ
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English
Etymology
Unknown. Extension of Jesus Christ with a fantastical middle initial, perhaps derived from a reading of ΙΗΣ (IĒS) (sometimes ΙΗϹ (IĒS), using a lunate sigma), a Greek-alphabet abbreviation for Jesus (ΙΗΣΟΥΣ) as three initials in Latin letters. See "Christogram" at Wikipedia.
The earliest use of the phrase is unknown, although according to Mark Twain (1835-1910) it was already common in the region of Hannibal, Missouri when he was a boy.
Interjection
- (US, potentially offensive) Jesus Christ.
- 1980 June, Dan Aykroyd, John Landis, The Blues Brothers, Universal Pictures:
- Jake: Yes! Yes! Jesus H. tap-dancing Christ, I have seen the light!
- 1985, Andrew Bergman, Fletch, Universal Pictures:
- Stanton Boyd: Jesus H. Christ on a popsicle stick. First of all... Alan Stanwyk does not own one single share of stock.
Usage notes
Potentially offensive to devout Christians, for uttering the Lord's name in vain.
Quotations
- For quotations using this term, see Citations:Jesus H. Christ.
Synonyms
Derived terms
References
- Cassidy, Frederick G., 1995. "More on Jesus H. Christ," American Speech 70:370.
- Smith, Roger, 1994. "The H of Jesus H. Christ," American Speech 69:331-335.
- Why do folks say "Jesus H. Christ"?, from The Straight Dope
- Explanation from WorldWideWords by Michael Quinion
- Harold be thy name!