Euphemisms

It used to be common for preachers to preach about euphemisms. An euphemism is the substitution of an agreeable or less offensive word or term for one that may offend or suggest something that is unpleasant. With this definition, a euphemism sounds like a good thing. Christians should strive to use language that does not offend (Romans 12:17).

But Christians should be concerned not just with what others may think about our language; we should be concerned with what God thinks. Our speech must show the proper respect for God and his great name.
The following is from brother Guy N. Woods in Questions and Answers from the Open Forum.

“I understand that many common ‘by-words’ are derived from sacred persons and things. Please list those most often in use and indicate their origins.”

Jehovah has ever regarded, with the greatest displeasure, any disposition on the part of man to use his name in flippant, frivolous, and profane fashion. The first commandment of the decalogue was designed to protect the sanctity of God’s being; the second forbade man to approach him through some human device; and, the third (Thou shalt not take the name of Jehovah thy God in vain: for Jehovah will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain), was formulated to guarantee respect and reverence for his name. (Deut. 5:7-11).

One is profane who uses sacred things in an irreverent and a blasphemous manner. The word vain, in the third commandment of the decalogue, is translated from a word which means in a light, flippant, and contemptuous fashion. It is of serious consequence that many members of the church have allowed to creep into their phraseology words and phrases the use of which amounts to profanity. Others, who would not dare to use the holy names God, Christ, Jesus, Jerusalem, Heaven, Hell, Hades, as interjections (“An ejaculatory word or form of speech, usually thrown in without grammatical connection” Webster), and for emphasis, will, nevertheless, use euphemisms (the substitution of a word or phrase less offensive or objectionable), the derivation of which goes back to one of the foregoing forms. Were those who thus do aware of the origin of many of these common by-words they would be shocked! It is therefore important that we obtain a clear conception of the significance of such words and phrases and avoid all which even indirectly border on the profane.

I. Gee Whiz. Gee is a euphemistic contraction of the name Jesus. It is slang, and has no proper use in our language. It is used as an interjection and to express surprise. It is, in effect, to say: Jesus! (Cf. Webster’s New World Dictionary.) Webster’s unabridged dictionary says that it is “A minced form of Jesus, used in mild oaths.” Whiz is slang for anything excellent . . .

II. Gosh. This too, is an interjection and used euphemistically, and for God. . . . The Century Dictionary says that it is “A minced form of God: often used interjectionally as a mild oath.” . . .

III. Gad, Egad, etc. . . . used euphemistically for the word God in mild oaths. . . .

IV. Golly. This word, of extremely common use, is described by the New World Dictionary as “an exclamation of surprise, a euphemism for God. . . .” . . .

V. Good gracious! Good grief! My goodness! etc. These are all mild oaths, where the word good or goodness is used euphemistically for God. (See Webster’s New World Dictionary.) . . .

VI. Heavens! Good Heavens! For Heaven’s Sake! Are all statements of exclamatory character, in which the heavens are called to support the truth of the statement made, or to support the affirmation. All such expressions when used as by-words, as slang, and in flippant, frivolous fashion, violate our Lord’s injunction . . . (Matthew 5:34) . . .
 

Family Bulletin Board

Remember in prayer and with cards, phone calls, or visits those who have chronic illnesses: Delsie Bishop, Reva Brewer, Ella Brumitt, Eloise Deaton, Jamie Farmer, Francis Ferren, Elizabeth Fowler, Savannah Green, Lola Mae Hamlett, Louise Hunt, and Edith Lechenet.

We rejoice to know that Kelsey Rhodes was baptized last Wednesday while at Bible Camp. Welcome, Kelsey, to the family of God.

NEEDED - ∙ Ladies (or gentlemen) to help in the kitchen for the July potluck. Please check the sign-up sheet.  Gentlemen (or ladies) to help in the lawn mowing schedule. Please check the sign-up sheet.

NEXT MONTH - Vacation Bible School, July 21st -25th.  We hope you will plan to be here. Kids, start now to invite your friends.

Our love and care go out to Saundra Morgan in the passing of her uncle, and to Christine Reese whose mother passed away on Thursday.