General
jiminy christmas
What does jiminy christmas mean?
An inoffensive exclamation of surprise or exasperation used to avoid taking the Lord's name in vain.
"Jiminy Christmas, would you look at that mess."
Origin
A minced oath—euphemistic substitution for "Jesus Christ."
Frequently asked questions
What does "jiminy Christmas" mean?
It's a mild exclamation of surprise or exasperation, used in place of stronger language.
Where does "jiminy Christmas" come from?
It's a minced oath — a euphemistic substitution for "Jesus Christ" to avoid taking the Lord's name in vain.
Is "jiminy Christmas" rude?
No, it's deliberately inoffensive and polite, which is the whole point of a minced oath.
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