「 Oh My Ga！」
In continuation of last article’s theme, taboo words and phrases, I would like to introduce to you another phrase that should not be used.
Have you ever heard of the phrase, “oh my gosh”? Perhaps the more well known phrase that has the same meaning is “oh my god.” Both of these phrases are heard on television, in movies, and even in regular conversations among Americans. However, just because a phrase is often heard or used, one still needs to make a distinction between appropriate and inappropriate language.
The phrase, “oh my god,” is commonly used in casual situations when one expresses surprise or disbelief. However, there is a saying that goes something like this: “Do not use the Lord’s name in vain.” The meaning of this phrase is that one should not call on the name of God with irreverence. And when one says, “oh my god,” in a reaction to something surprising, it would be offensive to a Christian or anyone else that believes in a god because it is an outright disrespect to the person and what they believe in.
To express the same feeling or thought in a way that is not offensive, the word, “god,” could be substituted by “gosh.” The Merriam-Webster Dictionary Online defines “gosh” as a euphemism for God. So the next time you would like to express surprise or shock, try saying, “Oh my gosh!” You would be able to express the same feelings without taking the risk of making someone uncomfortable！