Geez

/dʒiːz/ interjection

Definition

An exclamation expressing surprise, frustration, annoyance, or disbelief.

Etymology

A euphemistic alteration of 'Jesus,' used as a minced oath to avoid saying the religious word. Became common slang in American English by the early 1900s.

Kelly Says

Minced oaths like 'geez' show how language evolves to bypass taboos—we've created dozens of versions: gee, jeez, jeepers, jiminy, to let people exclaim without offense!

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