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Jesus Christ


Question Posted Tuesday January 8 2008, 3:35 pm

can someone tell me about the phrase people say in frustration: "jesus christ!" why do people say that as:

Jesus (Christ) Show phonetics
exclamation (ALSO Christ) INFORMAL
an expression of surprise, shock or annoyance. Some people might consider this offensive:
Jesus, just look what a mess they've made!

and its considered taking his name in vain:

take sb's name in vain UK HUMOROUS
to criticize someone or talk about someone without respect, especially when they are not there

i dont know if jesus christ is technically "there" or not but "god is everywhere"?

so.. im confused. how did saying christ's name when you're annoyed originate? and its a sign of disrespect because youre saying that for when something bad happens?

btw, is "oh my god" also bad?


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Want to answer more questions in the Miscellaneous category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Etiquette?


thefish answered Wednesday January 9 2008, 12:46 pm:
People have been swearing since language was invented.

[Link](Mouse over link to see full location) has some information, but I can't find much else. It's actually quite interesting. If you want to learn about the history of words and their usage, you should study etymology, which is basically the study of the history of words.

Good luck with that!

- The Fish :)

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AngelofMercy answered Tuesday January 8 2008, 5:08 pm:
From what I understand, "Jesus Christ", "G.D.", and "oh my god", would be considered disrespectful because you are using his name in vain. Taking his name is vain would be saying his name in an improper or irreverant manner (according to dictionary.com).

I am not sure where it originated from. I'm not even sure if there would be a way to find out when and where it was used for the first time. It could have been a religious person that was upset with a child for doing something wrong, and didn't want to say anything bad, and ended up saying it anyways, not thinking anything of it.

It only takes one person to say a catch phrase and it starts the epidemic nationally. Think of words like bling, bling, or going farther back, saying far out. It possibly ended up being like that in the beginning and turned into a catch phrase.

This is my theory anyways, sounds good to me ;). I hope I've helped some, I know I didn't give you the exact meaning, but at least I have shed some light on the subject. Good question btw.

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cricketsayrawr answered Tuesday January 8 2008, 5:08 pm:
I'm not really sure where " Jesus Christ " originated, but I do know that it is sorta bad, because its taking his name in vein. " oh my god " is also the same way.

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