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]