bejesus: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, colloquial
Quick answer
What does “bejesus” mean?
Used as an expletive or intensifier to express surprise, shock, or emphasis, deriving from a minced oath for "by Jesus.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Used as an expletive or intensifier to express surprise, shock, or emphasis, deriving from a minced oath for "by Jesus."
Can also refer to the quality of being frightened or startled, as in "scare the bejesus out of someone." It functions as a slang term for emotional intensity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in Irish English and subsequently in broader British/Irish-influenced contexts. In American English, it is recognized but used less frequently and often with a conscious folksy or humorous tone.
Connotations
In UK/Irish usage, it can carry a slight rustic or traditional flavour. In US usage, it may sound quaint, old-fashioned, or deliberately colourful.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but relatively higher in Irish English and possibly in older UK generations.
Grammar
How to Use “bejesus” in a Sentence
[Verb] the bejesus out of [someone/something]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bejesus” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - not used as a verb.
American English
- N/A - not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- He ran bejesus fast to catch the bus. (rare, non-standard)
American English
- It's bejesus cold out there today. (rare, non-standard)
adjective
British English
- N/A - not used as a standard adjective.
American English
- N/A - not used as a standard adjective.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Highly inappropriate except in very informal, joking contexts among close colleagues.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Used in informal storytelling or exaggeration for humorous effect.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bejesus”
- Using it as a standard adjective (e.g., 'a bejesus event').
- Using it in formal writing.
- Spelling as 'be-jesus' or 'bejesus' without understanding its fixed phrasal use.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is considered a mild, minced oath and is generally acceptable in informal settings but not in formal ones.
Only in very informal writing, such as creative dialogue, personal blogs, or humorous narratives.
It originates as a minced oath for 'by Jesus,' dating back to at least the early 20th century, likely from Irish English.
Yes, similar minced oaths include 'bejabbers' and 'begorra,' also of Irish origin.
Used as an expletive or intensifier to express surprise, shock, or emphasis, deriving from a minced oath for "by Jesus.
Bejesus is usually informal, colloquial in register.
Bejesus: in British English it is pronounced /bɪˈdʒiːzəs/, and in American English it is pronounced /bɪˈdʒiːzəs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “scare/frighten/beat the bejesus out of someone/something”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine someone named 'Jesus' getting a 'B-' grade on a test and exclaiming "Be Jesus!" in surprise - it's a shocked, emphatic reaction.
Conceptual Metaphor
EMOTIONAL INTENSITY IS A PHYSICAL FORCE (that can be beaten or scared out of a container/person).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'bejesus' most appropriately used?