Jesus H. Christ

English

Etymology

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

Jesus H. Christ

1. (potentially offensive) Expression of surprise, shock, etc., invoking the name of Jesus Christ (and taking it in vain).

   Synonym: Jesus Harold Christ

   Near-synonyms: Jesus fucking Christ; Christ almighty; good God; Jesus, Mary and Joseph

   • 1857 May 20, “Swearing as one of the Fine Arts”, in J[ames] T. Hildreth, D[avid] N[elson] Richardson, editors, Daily Iowa State Democrat, volume 2, number 184, Davenport, Ia.: George R. West, →ISSN, →OCLC, page [3], column 2:

     In passing along the street we heard a man, who was expressing a very decided opinion, say, “By Jesus H. Christ it is so.” Since that time we heard an individual who had “stubbed his toe” against the end of a plank cry, “By John D. God, I’ll sue the City.”

   • 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?”

   • For more quotations using this term, see Citations:Jesus H. Christ.

Usage notes

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

Derived terms

• Jesus H. bald-headed Christ
• Jesus H. Christ on a raft

References

• Cassidy, Frederick G., 1995. "More on Jesus H. Christ," American Speech 70:370.
• Smith, Roger, 1994. "The H of Jesus H. Christ," American Speech 69:331-335.
• Why do folks say "Jesus H. Christ"?, from The Straight Dope
• Explanation from WorldWideWords by Michael Quinion
• Harold be thy name!