This week’s theme
Minced oaths

This week’s words
gee-whiz
sacre bleu
tarnation
ballyhack
gorblimey

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A.Word.A.Day

PRONUNCIATION:

(sah-kruh/kray BLUH/BLOO)

MEANING:

interjection: An expression of surprise, dismay, annoyance, etc.

ETYMOLOGY:

From French sacrebleu (sacred blue), from sacré bleu, minced oath for sacré dieu (holy god). The term is no longer used in contemporary French. Earliest documented use: 1869.

USAGE:

“The ahhs and the oohs -- and occasional sacre bleus -- perfectly matched the rhythm of the fast-paced battle.”
Rick Maese; Getting the Party Started; The Washington Post; Jul 25, 2024.

“A slightly farcical dispute that reaches its apex when they both turn up to an event wearing the same designer gown. Sacre bleu.”
Olivia Petter; “I Would Get Home in Tears”; The Independent (London, UK); Dec 24, 2022.

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY: