Definition & Meaning of "jeez"in English

What is the origin of the exclamation "jeez/geez" and how is it used?

Derived as a euphemistic minced oath for "Jesus," jeez or geez appeared in early 20th-century American slang as a way to express frustration, annoyance, or surprise without overt blasphemy. Its usage spans casual speech, comics, and everyday exclamations, maintaining strong expressive force while remaining socially acceptable. Modern speakers typically use it to convey impatience, disbelief, or exasperation in informal contexts, and it works in both mild complaints and shocked reactions.