I have memories of my mom saying this when I was growing up and always remember wondering what the "H." stood for. I hadn't heard it in years until last night when I was with a friend who was also raised by a strict Catholic family, I asked if he knew what the "H." was for and he seemed like he had never thought of it before...like it was just a given until i posed the question.
so, i was wondering if anyone knew what this expression was based on.
thanks for your help.
2007-01-09 16:40:19 · 16 answers · asked by auDREE 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
It's one of those weird expressions nobody really knows the origin of. Try the link below. They discuss that question. Apparently, the expression is more common in the South.
2007-01-09 16:45:41 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It comes from the Christogram, an abbreviation of "Iesus Hominum Salvator" (Latin for Jesus Savior of Men), which was usually written as IHS, IHC, or JHC. This abbreviation and similar ones are sometimes seen on Crucifixes and other representations and/or symbols of Christ, sometimes substituting the sign over his head that said "Here is Jesus, King of the Jews." The latter, JHC, gave rise to the expression.
So, H would literally stand for "Hominum" meaning men, as in, he is the Savior of men.
2007-01-09 16:52:58 · answer #2 · answered by The Doctor 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Handsome
2007-01-09 16:51:53 · answer #3 · answered by wb 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
People mostly say "holy" and it is often said as a swear word with Jesus Christ
God Bless You
2007-01-09 16:48:28 · answer #4 · answered by ? 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Holy
2007-01-09 17:12:00 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Jesus "How the Hell can they think I'm anything more than a dead guy," Christ.
2007-01-09 16:44:51 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
holy crap! there is an answer--thanks commodore! that's the only reason i looked, because I have always wondered myself!
2007-01-09 17:12:58 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Howard.
Our father, who art in heaven, Howard be Thy name.
2007-01-09 16:45:54 · answer #8 · answered by eldad9 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Hank?
2007-01-09 16:45:49 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
sorry but to say that would get me another violation warning.
2007-01-09 16:46:55 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋