bejabbers: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, Archaic, Humorous
Quick answer
What does “bejabbers” mean?
A mild exclamation or oath expressing surprise, shock, or annoyance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A mild exclamation or oath expressing surprise, shock, or annoyance; a euphemistic alternative to "by Jesus."
Used as an interjection to convey a sudden emotional reaction. Also historically used as a noun in exclamatory phrases like "by the bejabbers."
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is strongly associated with representations of Irish speech. In modern use, it is recognized in both varieties but is not part of contemporary everyday speech. It is more likely to be encountered in historical fiction, comedic contexts, or as a deliberate archaism.
Connotations
Conveys a rustic, old-fashioned, or Irish character flavour. Using it in modern conversation would be perceived as a joke or a stylistic affectation.
Frequency
Extremely low and declining in both. Most common in literary or performative contexts evoking 19th/early 20th century Ireland.
Grammar
How to Use “bejabbers” in a Sentence
INTJ: Bejabbers! [That's a surprise!]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bejabbers” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The old sailor let out a 'by the bejabbers' that made everyone laugh.
- His favourite expletive was a hearty 'bejabbers'.
American English
- He swore a harmless 'bejabbers' when he stubbed his toe.
- The phrase 'by the bejabbers' was straight out of a cartoon.
interjection
British English
- "Bejabbers! The kettle's boiled over," he cried in a put-on Irish brogue.
- "Well, bejabbers, I never thought I'd see the day!"
American English
- "Bejabbers! That's one big raccoon," he said, chuckling.
- "Oh, bejabbers, I left the keys in the car again."
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Only used in linguistic/historical analysis of euphemisms or Irish literature.
Everyday
Extremely rare. May be used humorously among friends familiar with the term.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bejabbers”
- Spelling: 'bejabers', 'bejabbers'. The standard is with double 'b'.
- Using it as a verb or adjective (e.g., 'I was bejabbered'). This is non-standard, though creative.
- Pronouncing it /ˈbiːdʒæbərz/; the first syllable is unstressed /bɪ/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a euphemism (a minced oath) created to avoid saying 'by Jesus,' which some consider blasphemous. It is not offensive in modern use.
It is an alteration of 'by Jesus,' originating in Ireland in the 19th century as a mild, non-blasphemous alternative. The 'jabbers' part is a nonsense syllable substitution.
Rarely, if ever, in genuine, unselfconscious speech. Its main use today is in historical fiction, comedic performances, or when someone is deliberately using an old-fashioned or 'stage Irish' expression for humour.
Both are Irish-associated minced oaths. 'Bejabbers' euphemises 'by Jesus,' while 'begorra' euphemises 'by God.' They are functionally synonymous interjections.
A mild exclamation or oath expressing surprise, shock, or annoyance.
Bejabbers is usually informal, archaic, humorous in register.
Bejabbers: in British English it is pronounced /bɪˈdʒæbəz/, and in American English it is pronounced /bɪˈdʒæbərz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “By the bejabbers!”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an Irish character in an old film, jumping back and saying "Be-JAB-ers!" when surprised. Link the 'JAB' to the sudden feeling of surprise.
Conceptual Metaphor
SURPRISE IS A PHYSICAL JOLT (implied in the emphatic 'jab' sound).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary linguistic function of the word 'bejabbers'?