Dictionary.com

gee whiz

Save This Word!

interjection Informal.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?

Origin of gee whiz

1880–85, Americanism; apparently euphemistic alteration of Jesus, with final syllable replaced by whiz1

Words nearby gee whiz

Other definitions for gee whiz (2 of 2)

gee-whiz
[ jee-hwiz, -wiz ]
/ ˈdʒiˈʰwɪz, -ˈwɪz /

adjective Informal.
arousing or characterized by surprise, wonder, or triumphant achievement: a gee-whiz technology; a gee-whiz reaction to the sight of the Grand Canyon.

Origin of gee-whiz

First recorded in 1930–35
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use gee whiz in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for gee whiz

gee-whiz

adjective
informal impressive or amazinggee-whiz special effects

Word Origin for gee-whiz

C20: from gee ²
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Idioms and Phrases with gee whiz

gee whiz

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]

The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
FEEDBACK