English edit

 
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Etymology edit

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 edit

Jesus H. Christ

  1. (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.
    • 2004, James McManus, Positively Fifth Street[1]:
      “I’m gonna get outta their way,” he mutters, then snorts without mirth. “All I had were jacks.” We believe him, of course. What are jacks, after all, once Beelzebub and Jesus H. Christ get involved?
    • 2004, Marsha Moyer, The Last of the Honky-tonk Angels[2]:
      Jesus H. Christ on the cross,” he said. He caught my reflected gaze and held it. “How long have you known about this?”

Usage notes edit

Potentially offensive to devout Christians, for uttering the Lord's name in vain.

Quotations edit

Synonyms edit

Derived terms edit

References edit