Definition & Meaning of "leaping lizards"in English

What is the origin of the exclamation "leaping lizards" and how is it used?

Leaping lizards is an exclamation used to express surprise, astonishment, or disbelief. It appeared in American English in the early 20th century as a playful, alliterative euphemism replacing stronger oaths, following a trend of using unusual or whimsical phrases to convey strong emotion. People used it in everyday speech, newspapers, cartoons, and comic strips to react dramatically without swearing. Today it sounds whimsical, humorous, and inoffensive, often adding a playful or exaggerated tone to expressions of shock or amazement.