Where did for the love of Pete come from?
“For Pete’s sake” originated as a substitute for “for Christ’s sake,” and other similar expressions. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, “for Pete’s sake” came into use more than a century ago and prompted similar sayings such as “for the love of Pete” in 1906 and “in the name of Pete” in 1942.
Who is Pete when saying for Pete’s sake?
The phrase essentially uses “Pete” as a mild substitute for God or Christ in an expression of annoyance or frustration. It’s similar to the less common, “for the love of Mike.” In either case, the switch to the common name makes the phrase more socially acceptable and less offensive.
Why is it for Pete’s sake origin?
“For Pete’s sake” originated as a substitute for “for Christ’s (or God’s) sake,” and other similar expressions—as using a shortened form of the disciple St. Peter’s name instead was considered less offensive.
When did for Pete’s sake originate?
The phrase “for Pete’s sake” was first recorded in 1903, according to OED citations, followed by “for the love of Pete” in 1906, and “in the name of Pete” in 1942. The intent, in case you didn’t already know, is to express “exasperation or annoyance,” the dictionary says.
Who is Pete in Honest to Pete?
Hint: Pete is stealing someone’s thunder. The phrase essentially uses Pete a mild substitute for God or Christ in this expression of annoyance or frustration. It’s similar to the less-common, “for the love of Mike.” The switch to Pete makes the phrase more socially acceptable and less offensive.
What does Oh for Pete’s sake mean?
frustration
for Pete’s sake! in British English informal. an expression of frustration, exasperation or annoyance. For Pete’s sake, hurry up!
Where did the saying for crying out loud come from?
For crying out loud is an expression of frustration, impatience, or exasperation. The phrase for crying out loud originated in the United States in the 1920s, and the cartoonist Thomas Aloysius Dorian is credited with popularizing the idiom.
What does for heaven’s sake mean?
Definition of for heaven’s sake —used to make a statement or question more forceful or to express surprise, anger, etc. For heaven’s sake, turn down that music!
Where does the expression cat got your tongue come from?
Cat got your tongue? Origin: The English Navy used to use a whip called “Cat-o’-nine-tails” for flogging. The pain was so severe that it caused the victim to stay quiet for a long time. Another possible source could be from ancient Egypt, where liars’ and blasphemers’ tongues were cut out and fed to the cats.
Where does the saying as clean as a whistle come from?
“Clean as a whistle” first appeared in print in the early 18th century, meaning “completely, absolutely, leaving no trace” (“A first rate shot; … head taken off as clean as a whistle,” 1849).
Is for heaven’s sake offensive?
An expression of surprise, emphasis, exasperation, outrage, and so forth. These all are euphemisms for “for God’s sake,” which in some circles is considered blasphemous.
Is it for God sakes or God’s sake?
Since God here is essentially a name, the first letter should be capitalized. The sake belongs to God, so God should be in the possessive form: God’s. And because we’re talking about just one god, there is only one sake.