the expression "gee!"

[Marc Riepenschneider]

Hi,
can please anybody tell me
in which cases the expression or
better exlamation "Gee!" is used
or what kind of emotion is expressed
using it?

Thanks
Marc

[Miss Elaine Eos]

Hi,
can please anybody tell me in which cases the expression or
better exlamation "Gee!" is used or what kind of emotion is expressed
using it?

Surprise. In particular, surprise that something is more/larger than
one expected. (Or, in some cases, substantially less/smaller.)

It is similar to "wow!" or "my goodness!", if you're familiar with those
expressions.

It is often followed by an extender, as in "gee whiz!" or "gee
whilikers!"

It is considered by some old fashioned or quaint, the "modern"
equivalent being "holy cow!" or, really, "holy <anything>!"

[Marc Riepenschneider]

On Sat, 28 Jun 2008 08:28:14 -0700, Miss Elaine Eos

Post by Miss Elaine Eos
Surprise. In particular, surprise that something is more/larger than
one expected. (Or, in some cases, substantially less/smaller.)

Thank you. That makes things clearer for me.

Marc

[Einde O'Callaghan]

Post by Marc Riepenschneider
On Sat, 28 Jun 2008 08:28:14 -0700, Miss Elaine Eos

Post by Miss Elaine Eos
Surprise. In particular, surprise that something is more/larger than
one expected. (Or, in some cases, substantially less/smaller.)

Thank you. That makes things clearer for me.

There is also a theory that it derives from an abbreviated form of
"Jesus!", a blasphemous profanity expressing surprise. In more religious
times this would have been highly offensive to many people - indeed many
Christians would still find it offensive.

Regards, Einde O'Callaghan

[Kasey Chang 小張]

can please anybody tell me in which cases the expression or
better exlamation "Gee!" is used or what kind of emotion is expressed
using it?

Mainly one of surprise. Similar to "wow!" or "yikes!"

Though it could be in face of great disaster as well, or great danger,
such as looking over a VERY tall cliff...

Variations are "Gee whiz!" or even... "Jesus!" / "Jesus Christ!"

In a way, it's similar to Asian expression "May Buddha preserve me!"
(pu-sa-bao-yo)