Gee-Whiz
/ˌdʒiː ˈwɪz/noun
An exclamation of surprise, enthusiasm, or mild amazement.
Did you know?Gee-whiz is a euphemistic minced oath from the late 19th or early 20th century, with "gee" standing in for Jesus and "whiz" added as an emphatic exclamation, showing how speakers disguised sacred names into everyday emotional outbursts.
Etymological Timeline
Late 19th Century
English
gee-whiz
“An exclamation of surprise or excitement, used as a mild euphemism.”
Late 19th Century
English
gee
“A softened exclamation replacing a stronger sacred oath, probably from Jesus.”
Old English
English
gese
“Yes; an affirmative particle that later helped shape mild exclamations.”
Middle English
English
whiz
“A hissing or buzzing sound; later used as an exclamatory intensifier.”
Modern English
English
gee-whiz
“A mild expression of wonder, enthusiasm, or astonishment.”