Did a friend exclaim, "Judas Priest!" after you made a mistake? This post unpacks everything you need to know about the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The expression "Judas Priest" is a euphemism for the blasphemy "Jesus Christ." It's a more sensitive version of blasphemy, used in times when you don't want to offend religious people by taking the Lord's name in vain.
Most people will use "Judas Priest" as an exclamation of surprise, anguish, or anger. Most religious people won't have a problem with you using the phrase in replacement for "Jesus Christ."
“Judas Priest” is also the name of a popular British heavy metal band from the 1970s and 1980s. However, the idiomatic use of the expression doesn’t refer to the band.
Example Usage
"Judas Priest! How can you do that? I told you to leave it alone, but you can't help yourself, can you? You're getting a spanking if I see you doing that again!"
"Judas Priest! Did you see that car almost plow into that motorcyclist? If he had hit that guy, he would have been a goner. He was doing well over 100 miles an hour."
"Judas Priest! I can't believe you just said that to me. Don't you have any respect for me and my people? I can't believe you're that ignorant. I think you need to get out of here."
"Judas priest, guy. I can't believe you got away with that. Any normal person would be in jail right now. You're lucky your dad is a senator, and you can throw his name around when you need to."
"Look, we're not going there, and that's the end of the story. Judas Priest. Why can't you fall in line like everyone else and get with the program?"
"Isn't there any way you can make a plan for us? I mean, Judas Priest, it's not like it will cost you anything."
"Why can't you listen to what I say? Judas Priest. It's like I'm talking to a brick wall. Open your ears and pay attention, will you?"
"Judas Priest, man. Will you ever get this right? We've been practicing all day, and you are still no better than when we started this morning."
Judas Priest. Let's get one thing straight. I'm not your friend, so don't treat me like an idiot. I'll have to get nasty if you don't shut up."
Origin
The expression "Judas Priest" has unknown origins. Language experts believe it came around during the 1980s in England as a euphemism for the blasphemous statement "Jesus Christ." However, there is no confirmation of this claim.
The earliest reference in the Urban Dictionary of "Judas Priest" as a euphemism for "Jesus Christ" is November 9, 2005. Judas Priest, the English heavy metal band, has been around much longer. The group was founded in 1969 in Birmingham, England.
Phrases Similar to Judas Priest
- Jesus Christ.
Phrases Opposite to Judas Priest
- N/A.
What is the Correct Saying?
- Judas Priest.
Ways People May Say Judas Priest Incorrectly
The phrase “Judas Priest” has nothing to do with the English rock band from the 1970s. It also doesn’t reference “Judas” from the Bible. It’s a way of avoiding using the blasphemy “Jesus Christ.” However, some religious people may find it offensive as they think you’re referring to Judas from the Bible, the man who betrayed Jesus Christ.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Judas Priest
You can use the expression “Judas Priest” as a euphemism for saying “Jesus Christ.” If you’re at a location where you think people might find “Jesus Christ” blasphemous, using “Judas Priest” as an alternative might make them feel more comfortable about your language choice.
The phrase suits social use and some professional situations. For instance, if you’re partner burns the dinner, you could use it to exclaim surprise, humor, or anger. If your coworker makes a mistake at work, you could use “Judas Priest” for the same reasons.