Jesus H. Christ

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English

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English Wikipedia has an article on:
Wikipedia

Etymology

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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

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Jesus H. Christ

  1. (potentially offensive) Jesus Christ (expression of surprise, shock, etc.)
    • 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

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

Quotations

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Synonyms

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Derived terms

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References

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