gee whiz

¹

interjection

, Informal.

1. gee ².

gee-whiz

²

[ jee-hwiz, -wiz ]

adjective

, Informal.

1. arousing or characterized by surprise, wonder, or triumphant achievement:

   a gee-whiz technology; a gee-whiz reaction to the sight of the Grand Canyon.

gee-whiz

adjective

1. informal.
   impressive or amazing

   gee-whiz special effects

Word History and Origins

Origin of gee whiz¹

1880–85, Americanism; apparently euphemistic alteration of Jesus, with final syllable replaced by whiz ¹

Origin of gee whiz²

First recorded in 1930–35

Word History and Origins

Origin of gee whiz¹

C20: from gee ²

Idioms and Phrases

An expression of surprise, dismay, or enthusiasm. For example, Gee whiz, Dad, I thought you'd let me borrow the car , or Gee whiz, they finally won the Series! This term is thought to be a euphemism for “Jesus Christ.” [ Slang ; 1870s]

Example Sentences

Senate, but gee whiz, Wyoming.

From Seattle Times

I was young and kind of pedestrian, so it wasn't strange to hear me saying, "Gee whiz bartender, I sure would enjoy the strawberry flavor!"

From Salon

I said, gee, whiz, I mean, I thought, I thought, that the world would come to an end.

From Scientific American

The success of “Gee Whiz” and “Last Night” changed the artistic and commercial direction of Satellite Records.

From New York Times

A distribution deal with Atlantic Records further opened doors for Mr. Stewart’s fledgling label, especially after the success of “Gee Whiz” and “Last Night.”

From New York Times