an expression of surprise (esp in the phrase by jiminy)
jiminy in American English
(ˈdʒɪməni)
interjection
(a mild exclamation of surprise, emotion, or awe)
Also: jimminy
Word origin
[1810–20; perh. alter. of L Jēsu Domine Lord Jesus!]This word is first recorded in the period 1810–20. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: duplex, knockout, technique, unitary, voodoo