Jesus H. Christ is a more obscure version of the name Jesus Christ brought to wider attention in Mark Twain’s autobiography during the 19th century. The American novelist was recalling his time as a printer’s apprentice when he decided to get his revenge on old mentor from the time. He had been tasked with printing pamphlets of the sermons of Reverend Alexander Campbell. Unfortunately, the printer had dropped some letters so he abbreviated Jesus Christ to JC.
He was chastised by the livid preacher who made him reset all the text so as not to “diminish” the Lord’s name.
Twain obliged by simply writing Jesus H. Christ instead of Jesus Christ in humorous retaliation.
The phrase had already become known in wider circles as a mild expletive ... Read even more
