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minced oath

[ minst ohth ]

noun

  1. a word used in place of a swear word for the sake of politeness, often resembling the profane word or expression closely enough in sound and syllable structure that the substituted curse is still identifiable:

    He said, “Dash it!” a minced oath that did not offend those around him.



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Word History and Origins

Origin of minced oath1

First recorded in 1790–1800
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Example Sentences

Gad′so, an exclamation of surprise; Gad′zooks, an obsolete minced oath.

Drat, drat, v.t. a minced oath used to express vexation, as 'Drat the boy!'

It was a minced oath from Richard that first broke the spell that bound us.

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