Using expressions such as 'for God's sake' etc

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Alma

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English is not my first languaje and I want to learn it well.
I notice many people use certain expressions like: ‘for God’s sake’ or ‘for Christ’s sake’ .
I do not understand what they mean or if it is disrespectful 😦
or even sinful :eek: to use them.

I’ve also heard the expression ‘holy cow’ in several tv shows but I suppose this one is indeed vulgar and should not be used.:nope:

What is your opinion about this?

:tiphat:

Alma
 
I would say if you don’t feel the need to use them, don’t. It isn’t exactly swearing, but it is offensive to some people, and there really is no need to teach yourself to speak that way. Most people who speak that way do so out of habit.
 
I never use the expressions “for God’s sake” or “for Christ’s sake” but I do catch myself saying “oh my God” a lot. Something I’m trying to work on.
 
It’s a saying that has been used for many years. I myself use the phrase “For goodness’ sake” as an explative. My kids have picked up on that phrase, also.

I, too, am working on avoiding the saying “Oh my god” - instead, I’ve been using “Oh my gosh” (a derivitive) or “oh my goodness.” 👍
 
For sure don’t use stuff with “Christ” in it. And I would suggest nothing with “God” in it unless it is flattering such as “God only knows”. I even stay away from “oh my God” in case the tone comes out wrong. Only use these words in prayer and honor.

This is very scriptural and very traditional in our church and in Jewish tradition.

Holy cow/mackerel is considered completely harmeless although I find it trivializes holiness.

You have a fresh slate and about a half million English words to choose from. You can still fit in with good people without using these words, so get in the habit of finding other ones.:yup:
 
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Affirmed:
Nothing wrong with “holy cow”.
Click to expand...
In India, I believe, they are indeed revered.
~ Kathy ~
 
I think it is taking the Lord’s name in vain…just as if you said GD…I catch myself saying just “Jesus” sometimes, but the manner in which I say it is completely wrong and disrespectful…I am working hard to stop doing that. I get so mad when I hear people say “GD”
 
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Katie1723:
In India, I believe, they are indeed revered.
~ Kathy ~
Click to expand...
Yes Katie of course you are right. 😉 I was trying to avoid being technical but looks like I need to clarify: I have nothing against cows or India or any of God’s creatures.
I was referring to holiness in the sense found in Hebrews. Hebrews 12 calls all of us to lead holy lives. This is central in our Catholic faith and isn’t trival.
catholic.com/thisrock/2005/0502sbs.asp
Also see Hebrews 10 where the author says that bull’s blood and goat’s blood are useless for taking away sins.
It is in that sense that I don’t think someone learning our language needs to include the saying in their speech.
 
:rotfl:
Good grief! Where do these jokers come from and how do they find those cartoons so fast??
 
I find it offensive but usually it is the “Oh! My God!” explative I hear people using. I usually just respond back at the offender: **“OH! My goodness…is he here?” **, followed with appropriate shock and awe look…Get’s the point across and they understand without feeling I am in their face about it. 🙂
 
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dumspirospero:
I think it is taking the Lord’s name in vain…just as if you said GD…I catch myself saying just “Jesus” sometimes, but the manner in which I say it is completely wrong and disrespectful…I am working hard to stop doing that. I get so mad when I hear people say “GD”
Click to expand...
:amen: I’ve fallen into the bad habit of saying “Holy Mother of God!” Bad! When I misuse the Holy Name (“God”) or hear someone else do it, I try to make reparation by saying,“Glory to the Holy Name!”
 
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Alma:
English is not my first languaje and I want to learn it well.
I notice many people use certain expressions like: ‘for God’s sake’ or ‘for Christ’s sake’ .
I do not understand what they mean or if it is disrespectful 😦
or even sinful :eek: to use them.

I’ve also heard the expression ‘holy cow’ in several tv shows but I suppose this one is indeed vulgar and should not be used.:nope:

What is your opinion about this?

:tiphat:

Alma
Click to expand...
It is not considered cursing and it is hard to explain to nonChristians why these particular phrases are wrong.

I, myself, try very hard not to use the phrases, oh my God, or for Christ’s sake, or Jesus Christ! Normally, I say Oh My Goodness, Or just, Man! to express astonishment or frustration.
 
I’ve got so many good advices here!
Oh my…! (fill the blank with whatever expression you consider appropiate). Just kidding.😉

Thank you very much for your prompt replies!

:blessyou:

Alma
 
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Affirmed:
Nothing wrong with “holy cow”.
Click to expand...
An expression I hear several times daily. Now God’s name in a way that is not in prayer or speaking reverently about God I would surely avoid.
 
IF I were one of my grade school teachers, I would have washed my mouth out with soap years ago. When aggravated, I have almost no control of my language. When I was a kid the whole neighborhood was very loose with the expletives. I was no different.

I think I’ve gotten much better but in a crisis, I can use a string of choice words with a full range of vulgarities. My wife catches me quite often and through the years, I have gotten better. Most times, I have no idea what words will come out until I’ve already said them.

It’s almost like a knee jerk reaction. There is no thought about what words will come out in what situations, That can be quite dangerous, and embarassing. Luckily the vast majority of the time it is while driving. I have pretty good control of my language almost all other times.

I guess I should quit driving as that is the my achilles heel.
 
I recently had a front row witness of car crash. Parts of those cars landed on mine. The only thing I could say was “Oh my God”. And then one of cars drove around in circles for few minutes until it rolled past me and nearly pinned to the outside of my car and I saw the young lady held in the car by her seat belt. Then it was “Christ have mercy, Lord have mercy, Christ have Mercy.” To me it depends on the context.
 
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