gee whiz

¹ American  

interjection

Informal.

1. gee.

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gee-whiz ² American  

[jee-hwiz, -wiz] / ˈdʒiˈʰwɪz, -ˈwɪz /

adjective

Informal.

1. arousing or characterized by surprise, wonder, or triumphant achievement.

   a gee-whiz technology; a gee-whiz reaction to the sight of the Grand Canyon.

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gee-whiz British  

adjective

1. informal impressive or amazing

   gee-whiz special effects

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gee whiz Idioms  

1. An expression of surprise, dismay, or enthusiasm. For example, Gee whiz, Dad, I thought you'd let me borrow the car, or Gee whiz, they finally won the Series! This term is thought to be a euphemism for “Jesus Christ.” [Slang; 1870s]

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Etymology

Origin of gee whiz¹

1880–85, apparently euphemistic alteration of Jesus, with final syllable replaced by whiz ¹

Origin of gee-whiz¹

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

McKay has recently followed up that album with “Gee Whiz: The Get Away From Me Demos” and 2025’s “Hey Guys, Watch This,” and her music has been featured on such hit shows as “Mad Men,” “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Boardwalk Empire,” among others.

From Salon

Senate, but gee whiz, Wyoming.

From Seattle Times

I was young and kind of pedestrian, so it wasn't strange to hear me saying, "Gee whiz bartender, I sure would enjoy the strawberry flavor!"

From Salon

I said, gee, whiz, I mean, I thought, I thought, that the world would come to an end.

From Scientific American

A distribution deal with Atlantic Records further opened doors for Mr. Stewart’s fledgling label, especially after the success of “Gee Whiz” and “Last Night.”

From New York Times