Minced oath

A minced oath is a pseudo-profanity or euphemism used in place of what might be considered profane or blasphemous language and the phrase dates from 1654, according to the OED. It derives from the earlier phrase 'to mince one's words', which means to moderate or restrain one's language, and dates from 1599. The English language is full of minced oaths such as 'gosh', 'gee', 'jeepers', 'blimey' etc and many of them are featured in this database. The Puritan influence was largely responsible for the coining of such minced oaths. Early editions of Shakespeare were duly screened and so-called profanities removed. See also Mince/mincemeat/mince one's words