Definition & Meaning of "jeepers creepers"in English

What is the origin of the exclamation "jeepers creepers" and how is it used?

Jeepers creepers is an exclamation used to express surprise, shock, or mild alarm. It emerged in American English in the early 20th century as a playful euphemism for "Jesus Christ," part of a larger trend of softening sacred names in casual speech. It became popular through cartoons, radio, and everyday conversation, and today sounds whimsical, old-fashioned, and inoffensive, often used in humorous or lighthearted contexts.