interjection

Jesus H. Christ

JEE-zuhs AYCH kryst

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Jesus H. Christ (interjection) means an exclamation of shock, anger, exasperation or amazement, formed by inserting a mock middle initial into the name of Jesus Christ for extra emphasis. Example: “Jesus H. Christ, look at the price of that.”

interjection

vulgar slang, blasphemous An exclamation of shock, anger, exasperation or amazement, formed by inserting a mock middle initial into the name of Jesus Christ for extra emphasis.

"Jesus H. Christ, look at the price of that."

"Jesus H. Christ, I've told you three times already."

How to use Jesus H. Christ

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA strong swear you shout when you are shocked or fed up.

When to use it

Vulgar and blasphemous; chiefly American, though widely understood.

Memory tip

Written with a full stop after the H in American style, or without in British style; both are read as the letter aitch.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

Jesus Christ Jeez Jesus wept

Common pairings

Jesus H. Christ on a bike Jesus H. Christ almighty

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “Jesus H. Christ” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____, look at the price of that.

Etymology

Unknown. An 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.

Synonyms

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Jesus Christ for God's sake bloody hell good grief

Related words

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Frequently asked questions

What does the H stand for in Jesus H. Christ?

Nothing definite. It is a joke middle initial that makes the oath longer and more emphatic. A frequently repeated suggestion connects it to the IHS or IHC monogram for Jesus used in Christian art, whose middle letter looks like an H, but this is a proposed explanation rather than an established fact.

Is Jesus H. Christ offensive?

To many religious people, yes. It takes a sacred name in vain and adds a mocking flourish, so it is stronger than a plain 'oh no' and is out of place at work, in writing for a general audience, or around devout listeners.

How is it different from just saying Jesus Christ?

The H version is more forceful and more obviously comic. Plain 'Jesus Christ' can be a reflex of surprise; adding the initial signals deliberate, exaggerated exasperation.

What is the meaning of Jesus H. Christ?

"Jesus H. Christ" (interjection) means an exclamation of shock, anger, exasperation or amazement, formed by inserting a mock middle initial into the name of Jesus Christ for extra emphasis.

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