minced oath

American  

[minst ohth] / ˈmɪnst ˈoʊθ /

noun

1. a word used in place of a swear word for the sake of politeness, often resembling the profane word or expression closely enough in sound and syllable structure that the substituted curse is still identifiable.

   He said, “Dash it!” a minced oath that did not offend those around him.

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Etymology

Origin of minced oath

First recorded in 1790–1800

Example Sentences

School administrators likewise appreciate that the most explicit dialogue in John Cariani’s PG-rated script is the minced oath “Jeezum Crow.”

From Washington Post

Drat, drat, v.t. a minced oath used to express vexation, as 'Drat the boy!'

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 1 of 4: A-D) by Various

Gad′so, an exclamation of surprise; Gad′zooks, an obsolete minced oath.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 2 of 4: E-M) by Various

Begad, be-gad′, interj. a minced oath, softened from 'By God.'

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 1 of 4: A-D) by Various

Then he would have reproved himself for the unlicensed exclamation as savouring of the "minced oath," had he not been taken up with watching the dogs.

From The Lilac Sunbonnet by Crockett, S. R. (Samuel Rutherford)