cripes
/krʌɪps
/exclamation informal
Used as a euphemism for Christ: Joyce is on the warpath, cripes! for cripes' sakes get a move on or we’ll be late...
- I know, I know, but cripes!
- Robert gasped in amazement, his mouth gaped open, he went as white as a sheet and his eyes opened wide. All he could say was ‘Nay, cripes!’
- Some of ‘em are in pretty good shape, but cripes!
Origin
Early 20th century: alteration of Christ.
This old-fashioned exclamation, associated with Billy Bunter and the current mayor of London, Boris Johnson, is a euphemistic corruption of ‘Christ’.