donder and blitzen

English

Etymology

From Donner (or Donder) and Blitzen (or Blixem), the last two reindeer of Santa Claus's, named from Dutch donder (“thunder”) and bliksem (“lightning”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈdɒndəɹ ən ˈblɪtsən/

Interjection

donder and blitzen

1. An expression of exasperation.
   • 1832, John Timbs, The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction, volume 20, John Limbird, page 58:

     “Donder and blitzen!” he burst forth, “but this is a shock, who would have thought it? The house of Bennet and Ford to be shaken thus! What is to be done?”

   • 1850, The United States Magazine and Democratic Review, volume 7, Langtree and O'Sullivan, page 161:

     “Donder and blitzen! You speak fondly for the robber— perhaps you have seen him?”

   • 1966, Carl Barks, “So Far and no Safari”, in Uncle Scrooge #61:

     Scrooge McDuck: (Groan!) I'm beginning to feel that I'm in trouble!

     Narrator: Up in the air, Flintheart Glomgold is suddenly feeling that way, too!

     Flintheart Glomgold: Donder and blitzen! My engine's flaming out!