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jumping jehoshaphat
01
used to express astonishment, shock, or disbelief, often humorously or theatrically
Dated
Euphemistic
Informal
What is the origin of the exclamation "jumping Jehoshaphat" and how is it used?
Jumping Jehoshaphat is an exclamation used to express astonishment, shock, or disbelief. It appeared in American English in the 19th century as a euphemistic and humorous way to avoid swearing while invoking a biblical figure, King Jehoshaphat. People used it in literature, newspapers, and everyday speech to react strongly to surprising or shocking events. Today it is inoffensive, old-fashioned, and playful, often used in a theatrical or comic way to emphasize astonishment or disbelief.
Examples
Jumping Jehoshaphat! That's a huge truck.
