Discussion»Questions»Language» Was "Oh gosh!" invented because "Oh God!" would amount to taking His name in vain? Any other such examples invented to avoid blasphemy?
The expression "Crikey" is also euphemistic for "Christ". The Australian word "Struth" (also spelled "Strewth") is a contraction for "God's Truth", obviously omitting "God" for the same reason.
I've never been to Australia myself, but I picked up the word "Struth" (often spelled "Strewth") from Australian movies and TV programmes. As for "Crikey", that's another word I remember using when I was a kid. I found it better to say that than "Cripes" because "Crikey" sounds less like "Christ" and is therefore less likely to be misheard by religious people who might take offense.
Golly! It never struck me before. Now that you mention it, "By Golly" does fit into place. Thanks. Can't get the "Zounds!" connection. Care to elaborate?
This post was edited by Benedict Arnold at October 31, 2016 9:14 PM MDT
I never knew what "Zounds" meant. I've seen the word in print but never heard anyone actually say it. I didn't get it because I mentally pronounced it to rhyme with "Sounds". Thanks for the explanation, Nevan. It makes perfect sense now. :)
I was actually told as a child that certain expressions were the same as swearing. Things like: Gee Whiz, Jeepers (Jesus), Gosh Darn it, (God Damn it), Heck (Hell), etc.