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Love of Mike

Posted by Barney on July 12, 2000

In Reply to: Love of Mike posted by ESC on July 12, 2000

: : : A friend of mine and I were just pondering the expression "For the love of Mike" that we hear often in old movies.

: : : Do you have any idea where it comes from?

: : I assert - in the light of past experience - that someone will respond with the statement "this is a 'Minced oath' and refers to Saint Michael". Just wait.

: For the love of Mike. This is a "minced oath" (a substitute for "for the love of God")that refers to "Mike," meaning an Irishman, aka Mick. Variations: "Holy Mike" and "mother of Mike." Random House Historical Dictionary of American Slang, Volume 2, H-O by J.E. Lighter, Random House, New York, 1994.

Cripes, can I see into the future or what? Now what is this 'Cripes' word I find myself using in an unthinking manner. I meant to express surprise, excitement tinged with joy and a smidgen of pride: perhaps that's what "Cripes" means: or does it?

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